Quality Assurance Manager

Overview

Position: Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Oakville, Ontario – This role requires a full-time presence in Oakville office.
Status: Full-time Permanent

Quadra Group is one of the largest distributors of ingredients in North America. We have strategically located facilities across Canada and the United States to serve our customers. Our employees work in a high-performance environment where we strive to be the best in our respective sectors. At Quadra, we put people first, so that together we can reimagine possibilities.

Our Oakville, Ontario site, part of our Ingredients Division, specializes in the development, marketing and production of high-quality, functional dry food ingredient blends, sold in a variety of market segments. Our Oakville facilities emphasize the design and application of functional food ingredient systems to provide processed foods, beverages and dairy products with the desired characteristics of texture, flavor and shelf stability.

Quadra’s Quality Assurance Manager role follows established protocols and ensures compliance with GMP, FSQA and HACCP. Reporting to the Compliance Director, this position plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance for the manufacture and blending of food products.

Responsibilities

• QA Leadership
• Develop and implement an overall strategy and quality assurance management system for food blending operations while supporting Quadra's mission, vision and values
• Lead the development and execution of processes that improve the quality and safety of manufactured products
• Develop and maintain quality standards, procedures, documentation (SOPs and policies) and specifications for raw materials, blending processes and finished products to ensure quality and safety
• Establish and implement quality control processes to monitor and improve the production of blended food products
• Ensure that all quality standards and policies are met or exceeded, and that processes and manufacturing are continuously improved
• Support the production team in the development and maintenance of changeover and sanitation procedures, including pre-op and pre-assembly inspections
• Prepare and present regular reports to management on key quality indicators
• Promote and integrate "safety" as a pillar of the food manufacturing culture and strategies in all aspects of the production plant
• Perform all tasks related to quality assurance, including inspections, specification review, product release, etc.
• Oversee the QA/QC laboratory
• Team Leadership
• Lead and mentor a team of Quality Assurance professionals, providing guidance and support, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Lead the team with inspiration and positivity, including performance management, recruitment, skills development, as well as management of annual processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quality processes into all aspects of production and ensure compliance with food safety practices
• Help the Operations team evaluate plant manufacturing processes and procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement
• Assist operations, R&D and sales teams in developing and implementing controls to ensure product quality and reliability
• Provide training programs for production and quality assurance personnel to improve understanding of quality standards
• Keep abreast of industry best practices and integrate relevant training into the quality assurance program
• Assist the team in resolving day-to-day quality or operational issues
• Compliance, Regulatory Oversight & Continuous Improvement
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, industry standards and company policies
• Support internal and external inspections or audits to ensure regulatory compliance and address non-conformances
• Interface with regulatory bodies during inspections and audits, respond to findings and implement corrective actions
• Stay current on food safety regulations and best practices to maintain compliance (e.g. HC, CFIA, HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, Halal, Kosher)
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints and internal non-conformities promptly
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions for deviations
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformances
• Supplier and Vendor Management
• Collaborate with procurement and sales to establish and maintain quality standards for raw materials and ingredients
• Conduct supplier evaluations to ensure reliability and quality of incoming materials
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers to meet quality and safety standards

Qualifications

• Completed bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, biology or quality management. Advanced degrees or certifications are assets
• At least 10 years' experience in quality assurance management in a food manufacturing environment; knowledge of food regulations and quality standards
• At least 5 years' experience in team management within a quality assurance role in food production
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems (BRC, GMP, HACCP, CFIA, SQF, etc.) including program development, implementation and auditing
• Strong understanding of quality control standards and tools (Six Sigma, Lean, ISO)
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Foster a positive, quality-focused culture; coaching to provide guidance and training
• Attention to detail to identify and resolve problems
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and act as a business partner
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Suite, Salesforce, E1, JD Edwards, etc.)

Working Conditions

• This role is based in Oakville office with 100% office presence required
• Occasional afternoon/evening work and after-hours as needed; frequent presence at the production plant

Benefits and Compensation

We offer a stable, long-term career with a competitive salary and performance incentives. This role will be eligible for a generous incentive program and full benefits. Quadra’s salary ranges are benchmarked and determined by role and level.

Company Highlights

Quadra is Great Place to Work certified and recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies and Best Workplaces in Canada and in Manufacturing. We are a family-owned company with a strong infrastructure and core values.

Compensation Information

The annual base pay range for this position is expected to be in the mid-to-upper six figures, with total compensation including incentives and benefits.

Quadra supports diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available on request for candidates during selection. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

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