Quality Assurance Manager

Nature's Path • Delta, BC

8d

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Manager will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems. This role serves as the SQF Practitioner and primary site lead for food safety programs, ensuring compliance with various regulatory and customer requirements. The manager will oversee quality assurance and control processes, including product inspection, testing, and release, as well as manage quality data analysis and incident investigations. Additionally, the position involves leading and developing the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve food safety and quality objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to interpret regulations and translate requirements into operational practices.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, maintenance, verification, and validation of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Serve as the SQF Practitioner and primary site lead for food safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, GMP, Organic, Non-GMO, GFCO, FDA, WSDA, and customer requirements.
• Conduct gap analyses and maintain audit readiness for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
• Lead or support external audits and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain food safety programs related to: Allergen management, Food defense, Recall and traceability, Environmental monitoring, Pest control, Sanitation, Supplier approval, Transportation and storage, Process preventive controls.
• Ensure all program reviews, updates, and significant system changes are documented and communicated appropriately.
• Co-lead monthly Food Safety meetings and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all products are inspected, tested, and released in accordance with company specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee organoleptic, chemical, physical, and microbiological testing programs.
• Conduct and monitor process, packaging, sanitation, and finished-product quality checks.
• Develop, maintain, and improve quality standards, specifications, procedures, and inspection criteria.
• Analyze quality data, trends, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Investigate product deviations, quality incidents, customer complaints, and non-conformances and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Maintain ingredient and raw material specifications and approved supplier documentation.
• Audit suppliers and support supplier quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor facility conditions and integrity, communicating deficiencies and corrective actions to relevant departments.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the Quality Assurance team, including supervisors, leads, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Partner with People & Culture on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Conduct regular coaching conversations, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Ensure team members receive appropriate food safety, quality, regulatory, and technical training.
• Act as a liaison between management and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment across shifts.
• Develop and deliver training programs related to: GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, SQF, Food Defense, Organic and Non-GMO requirements, Quality standards and procedures.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools to enhance quality systems and operational performance.
• Support the implementation of new products, equipment, technologies, and processes through testing, validation, training, and documentation.
• Lead and support calibration, environmental monitoring, validation, and verification programs.
• Develop, review, and maintain SOPs, SSOPs, work instructions, forms, and quality documentation.
• Partner closely with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and R&D teams to ensure food safety and quality objectives are achieved.
• Provide technical expertise and support during new product launches and process improvements.
• Communicate quality and food safety performance, risks, and opportunities to site leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory agencies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager