Quality Assurance Specialist - Richmond - WhiteWater

Description

WhiteWater makes products, but we are a service business at our heart, which means we are a people business. In this way, we excel and create value for our clients by listening to their needs, collaborating to develop solutions, problem‑solving and attending to the details. Our culture, as you would expect, reflects these traits. We are a diverse group of experts, from creative designers to talented engineers. Whatever expertise we bring from all over the world, we listen and learn from each other because we are aligned with a clearly understood purpose. Together, we create fun for families globally.

Position

Quality Assurance Specialist

Department

Quality & Safety

Location

Richmond, BC, Canada

Reports to

Manager, Quality & Safety

Purpose

As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you will play a key role in safeguarding product quality across internal operations and the global supply base. The role is responsible for identifying quality risks, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions, and driving continuous improvement through supplier audits, inspections, and performance monitoring. You will enable data‑driven decision making through analysis of quality and safety metrics, support compliance activities, and contribute to a strong quality and safety culture. The role requires a high level of initiative, professional judgement, and the ability to influence quality outcomes across internal teams and suppliers. This position requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and up to 25% travel for quality related activities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performance Evaluation & Improvement
• Facilitate and execute root cause analysis and corrective actions for NCRs, ensuring effective containment and prevention of recurrence.
• Verify the effectiveness of corrective and preventative actions, apply structured problem solving methods to complex or recurring quality issues, and challenge gaps where actions are insufficient.
• Prepare, analyze, and track quality and safety performance metrics and KPIs to support risk identification, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead quality related discussions by providing clear recommendations and influencing stakeholders towards effective corrective actions.
• Ensure suppliers meet quality specifications and requirements.
• Conduct supplier visits, audits, and inspections to assess compliance, capability, and quality risk.
• Communicate audit findings, quality risks, expectations, and improvement actions to suppliers with clarity, confidence, and a fact based approach.
• Track and follow up on supplier corrective actions to ensure timely and effective closure.
• Support the development and maintenance of quality and safety control processes to ensure consistent application and compliance.
• Support the creation and updating of audit templates, procedures, and plans.
• Document and report auditing findings, including identified risks and required follow up actions.
• Support the translation of applicable standards and regulatory requirements into practical quality and audit expectations.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting for quality, safety, and compliance metrics.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Support safety orientations, training, and compliance activities in alignment with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives and compliance efforts.
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental responsibility within the organization.
• Support cross functional teams by providing quality insights, analysis, and recommendations to achieve quality and safety objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals of the Quality & Safety department.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 standards is desirable.
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor (or equivalent certification) is highly desirable.
• 1-3 years experience in quality assurance, quality control, occupational health & safety or a similar role.
• Understanding of quality control principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Proficiency in documentation management, including SOPs, safety procedures, and project quality procedures.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, codes, and standards, including WorkSafeBC, ASTM, EN, and ISO standards, and OSHA regulations is desirable.
• Experience in conducting inspections and audits and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Basic knowledge of hazard mitigation and workplace safety program.
• Experience with commodity-based certifications or experience in areas such as steel, fiberglass, interactive play, theming, or water ride vehicles is a plus.
• Experience working with quality data sets, KPIs, or reporting tools is an asset.
• PowerBI, Excel (advanced), or similar data visualization tools are considered a strong plus.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with the ability to work with minimum direction and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously with keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Effective team leader with the ability to lead change and manage ambiguity.
• Proven ability to work well with diverse groups.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities.

White Water Competencies

• Accountability – We do what we say
• Collaboration – We work well together
• Customer Focus – We know and respond to our customers
• Communication – We listen to and understand each other
• Authenticity – We are honest and trust each other
• Resilience – We deal effectively with pressure, are persistent and optimistic
• Flexibility & Adaptability – We are willing and able to respond to changing circumstance.

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