FSQ Specialist

SunOpta•Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

4d•CA$72,000 - CA$78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The FSQ Specialist is responsible for managing and organizing the Quality Assurance department documentation, including related data in Microsoft Team’s, SharePoint, Microsoft Excel/Word, InterSpec, Intelex, and Oracle. Additionally, this position collaborates with suppliers, co-packers, and customers to ensure that the most current and accurate information is available for the FSQ Manager. The FSQ Specialist works in concert with the FSQ Manager to help with QA related issues such as customer complaints, internal quality issues and special projects as directed. The FSQ Specialist is responsible for ensuring all products meet quality and food safety standards. This role involves managing quality control processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Associate degree in a scientific field and previous experience in Manufacturing
Minimum of 3-5 progressive years of experience in quality assurance within the food manufacturing industry.
Comfortable with data maintenance activities and repetitive data entry
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Sound administrative and computer skills
Analytical thinking and the ability to articulate verbally and written to all levels of management are essential
Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
Self-directed, assertive, and results driven
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field
Experience in a manufacturing environment
In-depth understanding of food safety regulations, quality control procedures, and HACCP principles.
Certifications such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), HACCP, or SQF Practitioner are preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all data entry related to FSQ processes
Complete new product set-up documents/Specifications
Upload customer compliance documents to respective data portals
Lead the site sensory program
Review and approve food safety and quality documentation (including COA data) for completeness
Drives improvement to streamline and implement effective data entry and information management processes within the food safety and team as well as the overall Quality team.
Manage all product sample shipments / R&D sample requests to customers as well as 3rd party labs for testing for internal/external requirements
Compile and report food safety and quality monthly KPI’s to Corporate QA and FSQ Manager
Manage HOLD Program ensure compliance with SunOpta’s Control of Non-Conforming Policy
Assists in management and collection of documents for certifications (organic, Kosher, etc.)
Provides oversight and compliance with Incoming Material COA requirements. Escalates and utilizes the supplier non-conforming database (Intelex) to communicate non-conformances
Works with FSQ Manager to resolve specific food safety or product quality issues with suppliers and co-packers through product retrieval and shipping support
Takes on advanced roles and responsibilities including special projects as assigned.
Investigate and resolve any quality issues or customer complaints, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
Provide training to production staff on quality control procedures and food safety standards.
Provide training and support to FSQ team to ensure high performance and adherence to quality standards.
Liaise with the FSQ Manager on internal audits of critical to food safety/quality activities in the facility.
The backup for this role is the FSQ Technician Level III and the FSQ Manager.
All other duties as assigned.