Quality Assurance Manager (QA)

Job Responsibility: Position: Quality Assurance Manager Location: Oakville, Ontario - This role requires to be in office 100% of the time Status: Full-time Permanent (1) Quadra Chemicals is one of the largest distributors of chemicals and 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 specialize in 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. We are currently seeking a food professional to fill the role of Quality Assurance Manager. Your previous experience in this role will greatly strengthen our team at our Oakville manufacturing and blending plant. Quadra's Quality Assurance Manager follows established protocols and ensures compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Reporting to the Compliance Manager, this person will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance for the manufacture and blending of food products. If you are passionate about maintaining excellence in food manufacturing and have strong leadership skills, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our commitment to providing premium quality products to our customers. What would be your main responsibilities as a QA Manager? : 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 (standard operating procedures and policies) and specifications for raw materials, blending processes and finished products to ensure the level of quality and safety of our products
• 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 continuous
• Support the production team in 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 that require safe and quality results within the entire organization.
• Perform all tasks related to quality assurance, including inspections, specification review, product release, etc.

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 (salary increases, reviews, etc.)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as production, operations, R&D and sales 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 administrative and technical controls to ensure impeccable product quality and reliability
• Provide training programs for production and quality assurance personnel to improve understanding of and compliance with 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 compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards, and address non-conformances found during audits
• Interface with regulatory bodies during inspections and audits, respond to any findings and implement corrective actions
• Keep abreast of food safety regulations and industry best practices, and ensure that the company remains compliant with relevant standards (e.g. SC, CFIA, HACCP, GMP, ISO, BRCGS, Halal, Kosher, etc.).
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints and internal non-conformities promptly.
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action initiatives for any deviations from quality standards
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies in food manufacturing and blending operations
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformances and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Supplier and vendor management

• Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to establish and maintain quality standards for raw materials and ingredients used in food mixing operations
• Conduct supplier audits and evaluations to ensure reliability and quality of incoming materials
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards

What qualifications are we looking for to be successful in the role of Quality Assurance Manager? :

• Completed bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, biology or quality management. Advanced degrees or certifications are considered a major asset
• At least 10 years' experience in quality assurance management in a food manufacturing environment; knowledge of food regulations and quality standards is required
• At least 5 years' experience in team management, leadership/coaching of a team dedicated to quality assurance, preferably 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 methodological tools (Six Sigma, Lean, ISO standards)
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Foster a positive, quality-focused culture within your team; hold coaching expertise to provide advice, support and training
• Sharp eye for detail to identify and deal with potential problems
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and become a business partner of choice
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Suite, Salesforce, E1, JD Edwards, etc.)

Working Conditions:

• This role is based in our Oakville office and 100% office presence is required.
• You must be willing to work occasional afternoons and evenings (required as needed); The position may require occasional after-hours work and frequent attendance at the production plant.

At Quadra, we offer not only an engaging culture, a collaborative, family-oriented and supportive environment, but also plenty of autonomy and flexibility. We also offer you the opportunity to be part of a professional, fun, innovative and committed team in a growing, people-oriented, Great Place to Work® certified organization. In addition to being Great Place to Work® certified, Quadra has been recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies for over 20 years and as a Great Place to Work for Women®! You will work with dynamic colleagues who are eager to share their knowledge with you. What are the perks of choosing this role at Quadra?:

• Competitive salary and generous performance incentive program $
• Full benefits coverage (dental, medical, etc.)
• Programs offered to employees to improve their quality of life (Wellness Portfolio)
• Virtual care/telemedicine for you and your loved ones; 24/7 access to a physician
• Virtual wellness and mental health programs with a global healthcare leader
• Retirement plan with a match and several long-term investment programs
• Vacation, personal days, and flexible days
• Flexible work environment & Disconnection Policy
• Caring for each other and having fun are part of our core values!
• A company that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Digital environment
• Customized training built for you
• Participate in various internal and external training sessions
• Possibility of joining various company committees
• Social activities organized by the company
• Employee recognition program (years of service, merit awards, etc.)
• Private and family-owned company with a solid infrastructure
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Possibility to travel across North America for team meetings and trainings
• Employee referral programs
• And much more!

If you are passionate about quality, detail-oriented and thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment, we invite you to apply for this challenging and rewarding position. Join us in our mission to provide our customers with superior quality food products, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. Quadra supports and values diversity and offer equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status and gender identity. Quadra also welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We recognize that some people do not identify themselves as either male or female. Therefore, whenever possible, we have opted for a gender-neutral wording in a non-discriminatory spirit.