FSQA Director

The Opportunity:

The Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is accountable for the execution of the Food Safety, Quality and Technical Services long term strategy within Maple Leaf Foods (MLF) vision to Raise the Good in Food. The Director is accountable to adhere to and execute the MLF Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) across several food production facilities and for driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Additionally, the Director will support the establishment and maintenance of positive and collaborative relationships with other functions throughout the organization, regulatory authorities, customers and other external contacts.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by February 10. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

Food Safety
Drive execution of and compliance to all food safety programs at assigned plants, including but not limited to:

• Accountability to lead, support, and communicate the MLF FSQATS strategy and drive FSQ performance metrics targets
• Guide teams towards meeting MLF’s standards within the FSQATS management system
• Oversee compliance of the HACCP system to meet FSEP and other regulatory requirements where applicable (i.e. USDA, FDA)
• Continuous improvement of FSQ programs to enable adherence to Internal Audit and BRC/SQF requirements
• Pathogen Control programs such as EMP testing and oversight and review of related Seek & Destroy activities, pathogen surveillance, etc. including trend analysis of results in Prepared Meats facilities
• Coach and educate teams via deep understanding of the EMP Standards and SOP
• Oversight and approval of construction protocols at plant level as they impact FSQ
• Lead the review of the Food Safety and Quality Risk Assessment as a key element of the product development (Get-To-Market) process both before and after Decision-To-Launch
• Review and approve all FSQ risk assessments conducted by assigned plants
• Review and approve plant responses to SIP Regulatory Non-Conformances from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Collaborative interaction with other Directors, FSQA in support of information sharing, program improvements and consistency within all manufacturing facilities and distribution centres
• Thought leadership to continuously improve on the MLF FSQA Management System or its effective execution
• Focus effort to reduce waste from the FSQA Management System via Six Sigma methodology
• Strong leadership and support of manufacturing facilities and corporate FSQ team
• Build strong relationships with other functions that enable positive engagement and results
• Active role in new builds, redesign on current manufacturing processes to ensure Food Safety is built in during design

Quality
Drive execution of and compliance to all quality programs and requirements (QMS – Quality Management System) at assigned plants, including but not limited to:

• Adherence to the QMS standard, guidance to other functions
• Adherence to specifications
• Establishing, assuring adherence and continuous improvement to QMS governance in the responsible plants
• Complete and thorough understanding of QMS
• Trend Analysis of QMS performance (CQPs, CTQs, etc.) to identify, enable and support implementation of process improvements as defined within QMS governance

Talent Development

• Develop FSQA personnel at assigned plants including succession planning
• Utilize the FSQA Competency Model to hire, coach and mentor and seek opportunities to develop and execute training
• Provide guidance and direction on training of hourly and salaried FSQA plant staff to assure compliance to Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Participate in talent planning - short and long term
• Completion of hiring waivers, salary reviews, performance discussions including performance assessments and development action plans, performance improvement plans, business objectives, and terminations (as required)

External Customer
Manage customer requirements including but not limited to:

• Oversight of plant BRC/SQF certification and compliance
• Liaise with Sales to assure delivery of Food Safety and Quality expectations (including specifications, audits, etc.), as required by the customer within the MLF programs and affected plants within the assignment

Internal Contacts

• Regular interaction with internal customers, Sales and Marketing, Operations, the Operations Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Teams as required
• Network with peers in the industry, related professional associations and interact as needed with the applicable regulatory agencies
• Work closely with the assigned corporate Operations leads to assure compliance to the aforementioned programs.

Working conditions

• Presence at facilities on a routine basis, including travel in Western/Eastern Canada and Ontario is required, and potentially other areas
• Hours may vary to meet plant schedules including Sanitation, pre-operative inspection and all shifts of operation
• Working independently with demonstrated self-accountability and thought leadership

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven project management experience including demonstrated change management competency
• 5-10 years of experience managing teams
• Minimum of 10 years in a regulated food manufacturing industry
• Minimum 5 years in Food Safety and Quality Management function
• Bachelor of Science in Meat Science, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Animal Science or other related science degree. Applied science degrees (e.g. Engineering) will be considered depending upon previous work experience.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Level 2-3 Six Sigma certified
• Lean Manufacturing excellence understanding and participation
• Experience in prepared food/meat processing

Required Proven Competencies:

Behavioral Requirements

• Demonstrated compliance to the Maple Leaf Values
• Work independently without day-to-day guidance and direction
• Resilience and ability to persevere through difficult situations
• Demonstrated skills in team building and collaboration within the function and cross-functionally, and stakeholders

Communication

• Clear and concise in all means of communication (written, verbal, electronic, public speaking, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to explain technical issues in understandable terms
• Effectively able to communicate with all levels of the organization (situational communication) and stakeholders

Problem Prevention/Solution

• Proven Continuous Improvement skills especially through Six Sigma and Lean
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to quickly derive root cause and effect sustainable preventive measures
• Demonstrated ability to use data to predict and prevent problems before they arise
• Ability to compile all relevant information into concise risk assessment and reporting format and provide output to all stakeholders in a timely manner
• Drive to prevention and prediction

Leadership

• Proven coaching, mentoring and directive skills
• Ability to drive others toward a common goal, including those that don’t report to this role (influential leadership)
• Ability to develop and present go forward actions in a way that results in commitment from the team
• Work as a team with peer FSQA Directors – collaboration is key

Commitment and Teamwork Focused

• Holds self and others accountable to effectively deliver on FSQMS programs including MLF programs, regulatory requirements, customer requirements, etc.

Required Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• SAP-QM, SAP-RD is required
• Visio and Minitab proficiency an asset

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, ‘speaker series’ events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.