QA Manager - Kitchener, Canada - Freshstone Brands Inc.

Freshstone Brands Inc.

Verified Company

Kitchener, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

***: Quality Assurance Manager plans, coordinates, and directs the Quality Assurance Program, which verifies food quality and safety. Verifies and maintains product compliance to HACCP, Quality and food safety Standards, SQF and Specifications by monitoring production, sanitation effectiveness, GMP compliance, and microbiological analysis.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & REPORTS:

Reporting to:
Plant Manager

Direct reports:
QA and Lab technicians

ORGANIZATION:

Freshstone Brands Inc. ("FBI") is a premier manufacturer of high-quality prepared food products that services the retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels. The Company's products include branded and private label entrees, salads, sides, appetizers, hand-held foods, and other prepared foods.

FBI supplies mostly fresh and some frozen items to major Canadian retailers for sale "behind the glass" or in packaged formats in the perimeter of the store, as well as to well-known foodservice customers, and some major branded food businesses under contract.

FBI manufactures its products in 5 manufacturing plants which are SQF Level 3 certified and which are strategically located across Canada, giving FBI critical mass, and geographic proximity to the strategically important US market.

With its own brands, FBI services all the major Grocery, Mass, Club and Food Service customers in Canada either directly or through distributor and broker relationships.

Additionally, FBI has co-developed and launched a variety of "own-label" and private label programs with a wide range of blue-chip, recognized retailers and food service companies across North America.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

At all times acts in the best interest of the company by performing his/her duties in a dignified and professional manner that will protect and maintain our companies "Mission Statement." Adheres to the confidentiality agreement signed upon hire.

Develops and manages direct reporting staff.

QA Manager will have responsibility for all QA systems including Sanitation programs and Pest Control program.
Provides technical assistance on quality matters to other departments.
Performs Quality assurance systems audits to ensure development and execution of quality/sanitation processes and improvements, compliance with governmental regulatory quality, GMP and sanitation standards.
Responsible for the management of the department operational budget, and providing support to safety goals by implementing and managing the department, site and company safety programs.
Responsible for staff of QA assistant, QA Techs, Lab Techs.
Develops personnel through performance appraisals and consistent feedback.
Coordinates team involvement activities to drive continuous quality improvement processes.
Resolves personnel problems by analyzing data; investigating issues, identifying solutions and recommending action.
Maintaining the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure.
Appraisal of production procedures and product attributes for conformance and corrective oversight.
Quality and food safety oversight typical in a QA program, including management of HACCP programs; SQF; CFIA requirements; and internal GMP programs.
Provides training relating to product quality and safety, and interacting with regulatory agencies.
Liases with CFIA personnel and all staff and communicates relevant quality assurance issues to management within plant environment.
Assists with the selection and training of employees, creates procedures pertaining to food safety, quality and GMP's.
Makes recommendation to Senior Management on QA related policy updates and new policies.
Maintain Confidential and sensitive information in regards to FBI and copackers recipes; ingredient specifications; processing and equipment.
Enforce and abide by all company rules and regulations. Performs other related duties as required.

KEY COMPETENCIES & EDUCATION PREREQUISITES

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry or other related degree
Strong understanding of GMP's, SQF, HACCP and WHMIS and CFIA regulations.
Experience in a supervisory position and food processing experience and knowledge of laboratory equipment is preferred.
Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and conferences and reviewing professional publications. Precision and quality minded.
Conflict recognition, troubleshooting and resolution.
Communicates verbal and written information to coworkers.
Resolves conflicts as they arise.
Lead others to solutions by being organized, patient and respectful, poses good communication skills; set priorities and meet those standards.

FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Working in compliance with Keybrand's Food Safety and Quality Management system containing HACCP, GMPs, Food Safety policies and procedures that meet legal and regulatory requirements, customer requirements, audit requirements and industry best pract