Mgr Quality Assurance

Employment Type: Salaried 
Shift:   
Work Arrangement: Onsite 
Employment Status:  
Vacancy Type: Replacement

Reporting directly to the Regional Quality Assurance Manager, the QA Manager functions as an integral member of the plant leadership team and plans, coordinates and directs the food safety, quality assurance, and sanitation programs designed to ensure that the plant and finished products conform to all customer, federal and provincial regulatory requirements, as well as, implements and maintains Ventura Foods Corporate Quality Assurance policies and procedures. Serves as the plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies, certification bodies and customer expectations. Provides leadership to the QA team by thinking strategically and driving continuous improvement at the plant level. Promotes a strong Food Safety Culture by use of leadership skills. Holds a position of responsibility related to management of the site's SQF system.

Core Deliverables:

•  Provides direct support, leadership and direction to QA Supervision and Sanitation staff in a 24-hour facility. Provides direct and indirect to all subordinates (QA Supervision, Sanitation Supervision, and any other QA/Sanitation staff) including making staffing decisions, providing training and development opportunities, and conducting performance reviews, coaching sessions, and weekly 1x1 meetings with direct reports.
• Maintains and improves product quality by completing product and compliance audits, investigating consumer complaints; collaborating with other members of management to resolve issues.
• Maintains the food safety aspect of the plant by periodically performing internal audits of the facility to verify that procedures mandated by the company, state and Federal governmental agencies are being adhered to.  This includes GMPs, Sanitation, Food Safety Plans, and Safety. Ensures that all preventative measures as outlined in Food Safety plan are executed, monitored, and record reviewed to include corrective and preventative actions.  
• Ensure that all appropriate metrics and key process indicators are measured, tracked and trended. Report on metrics as needed on QA Business Plans, 1x1's and scorecards. Maintain department budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Maintains all aspects of the Quality Assurance Laboratory, including microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory aspects of all food products manufactured at this facility. This also includes coordination of the sampling and testing with Production.
• Oversees the Pest Control program in the facility through coordination with contracted pest control service representatives
• Ensure all applicable training is completed for QA and Sanitation staff. Ensure a training matrix is maintained to monitor training and bench strength levels. Ensure applicable and required certifications are held by appropriate team members.
• Acts as plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies and customer company representatives and auditors. Reviews and maintains all required processing records and regulatory inspections and reports.  Provides support to R and D on projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required skill, ability & knowledge to:

• Management of QA/QC activities and procedures that is related to food safety requirements
• Interact with Production Supervisors including but not limited to lead hands, line operators, processors and machine operators and management team, scheduler and maintenance mechanic to provide information and answer quality related question
• Validation of CCP charts, cooking temperature and time, and ingredients used as per process formulation
• Verify quality and production related records and other data
• Provide technical assistance for quality, food safety and sanitation issues and to ensure conformance to food safety program
• Adequate understanding of allergen program and policies to ensure proper dissemination of technical information and corrective actions
• Assist in training team members in job duties and quality procedures
• Assist in training team members in job duties related to organic activities
•  Work cooperatively with co-workers and production supervisors as a quality focused and service-oriented team player
• Solve problems independently in consultation with the upper management as per standard guidelines and procedures
• Ensure all necessary lab samples (micro, chemical, environmental, RTW, nutritional) are taken and results evaluated
• HACCP Coordinator/Leader
• Coordinate recall program update as needed and initiate mock recalls

Education/Experience:

• Bachelors degree in food science or engineering technology, is required
• 5+ years of previous experience in a Quality department with progression to leadership level, including experience in food processing or related industry
• Proven knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP and CFIA standards
• Demonstrated increasing responsibility in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in the food industry. 
• Statistical Analysis and Problem-Solving Skills (5Why's, Fishbone Diagrams, etc.)
• PCQI/HACCP certification a plus.

Knowledge/Skill Level:

• Strong leadership, team building, motivator.
• Able to prioritize, be decisive, strong communication and basic computer skills are required.
• Data analysis is a plus.
• Strong written & verbal communication skills
• Proven knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP and CFIA standards
• Ability to travel up to 5% (cross-border travel to United States)

Scope:

• Oversee a team of 20 -35 employees – both union and non-union.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility for department budgets.

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there.  We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation.

• Hourly starting rate of $95,528.00.  Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the hourly rate will increase to the post probationary rate for your classification.  Please refer to the CBA for further details.
• Certain shifts are eligible for a shift premium of $1.00/hr or $2.00/hr

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required.  Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day.   Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required.  Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements.  In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.  Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds.  We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  Ventura Foods Canada may use AI in certain steps of the recruitment process.