Quality Assurance Manager

Inovata Foods isn't your average Food Manufacturing company. We offer the stability of a large company with the feel of a small family business. We have the privilege of partnering with many of North America's largest retailers, just like a publicly traded tier one company, but our team members have a large degree of control over their roles and an ability to make a real impact. This position reports directly to the Quality Assurance Director and will have a high level of collaboration with Production, Engineering, Purchasing and other cross functional teams.

Inovata Foods Corp. is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to partner with us as we bring families and friends together through offering wholesome and convenient meals. The role is located at our Tillsonburg, Ontario facility. Inovata Foods Corp. is a major producer of wholesome control brand frozen meals for many of North America's largest retailers.

Position Details:

• Vacancy Type: Existing Vacancy 

• Pay Range: $90,000 - $100,000

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, direct and follow up on the activities of the Quality Assurance team.

• Verify that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory programs, including laboratory programs, are functioning as designed, followed and correctly documented.

• Investigate product and process failures, determine root cause, and implement corrective and preventative actions to continuously improve food safety and quality while minimizing production downtime.

• Revise and update Food Safety and Quality programs and procedures as directed.

• Prepare for and execute CFIA daily verification tasks and participate in SQF annual recertification audits, customer audits, and USDA and FDA food safety system assessments.

• Ensure appropriate corrective actions resulting from food safety and quality findings are identified and completed.

• Drive Quality KPIs and objectives while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop and foster a strong working relationship with CFIA.

• Identify technical training requirements and support individual development plans for the Quality team.

• Approve Management of Change activities specific to food safety and quality.

• Manage the site Quality team to support skill development and clear succession planning.

• Manage daily attendance, provide performance feedback, and identify training opportunities aligned with development plans.

• Support the implementation of new products, line extensions and continuous food safety and quality improvement projects, including line trials and process capability evaluations.

• Ensure the timely release of finished goods once positive release requirements have been satisfied.

• Ensure customer complaint responses are satisfactory and provided in a timely manner.

• Ensure export procedures are current, complete and accurate and that export requirements are met for the country of export.

• Prevent HACCP, SSOP and process or product failures through food safety and quality plans, process controls, specifications and training.

• Interpret and report customer and consumer information and identify trends that may trigger investigation.

• Ensure hourly employees receive required training on GMPs, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Fraud, CQP's and CCPs.

• Ensure compliance with the Food Safety Management System and SQF program.

• Administer disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Progressive Discipline Policy.

• Ensure business continuity when Quality team members are absent by providing or arranging coverage for necessary functions.

• Assist the Quality Assurance Director with information and direction as required.

• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Rewards:

• Full medical, dental and disability insurance package available on date of hire.

• Deferred Profit Sharing Plan with RBC after 1 year.

• Three weeks vacation to start and five sick days per year.

• Quarterly incentive plan.

• Annual footwear allowance.

Requirements:

• Post secondary education in a related field.

• Three to four years of related Quality Assurance experience.

• Quality Assurance experience in a food processing environment.

• Understanding and working knowledge of HACCP.

• Completion of WHMIS 2015 within the last 3 years.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and leadership skills.

• Adequate computer and administrative skills.

• A post secondary degree in Food Science would be an asset.

Working Conditions:

We strive to help our team members maintain a positive balance between life and work. This position predominantly entails deskwork, with occasional walking, standing and light lifting. The role requires close collaboration with cross functional teams throughout the plant and includes exposure to areas that may be cold, wet and damp. The position may require varying start times and extended working hours, with occasional weekends, to support operational needs, audits, customer requirements, production trials and first runs.

Our Commitment:

Inovata Foods Corp. is an inclusive employer. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources Department if you require any accommodation during the interview and assessment process, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Inovata Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to support certain aspects of the hiring process. AI is not used as the sole decision maker, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified Inovata Foods team members.