Quality Continuous Improvement Technician

Job Posting

Ready For a Tasty New Challenge?

SUMMARY

The Quality Continuous Improvement Technician (QCI Tech) plays a crucial role in driving daily quality improvement initiatives at Wonderbrands bakeries. This position is responsible for conducting thorough quality checks, documenting deviations using iQMS and Cereboro, and working with the Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineering team to perform root cause analyses. By ensuring all issues are properly diagnosed and assigned to the appropriate functional areas, the QCI Tech helps maintain and enhance product quality.

QCI Techs also champion product quality improvements by actively participating in Quality Huddles as part of the VQS process, ensuring that detailed product information is available for evaluation. They utilize Six Sigma methodologies for data gathering and analysis to identify effective improvement solutions and collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to support issue resolution.

Beyond addressing quality concerns, QCI Techs play a key role in sustaining improvements by monitoring product quality, collecting data, reporting deviations, and supporting the implementation of quality programs and continuous improvement initiatives. This role emphasizes the use of technology and data analytics to enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additionally, QCI Techs support the Bakery Quality Manager (BQM) in ensuring adherence to all Quality Assurance programs, including HACCP, and actively participate in preparing for BRC audits, further strengthening the bakery's commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

What Wonderbrands Offers:

- Wonderbrands believes in Home Grown Talent and accelerated career growth
- Competitive Compensation, Health, and Dental Benefits
- Pension plan with matching contribution
- Quarterly incentive program
- Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Product Quality & Process Monitoring

- Actively contribute to product quality improvements by collaborating with bakery teams.

- Monitor production processes and parameters to ensure compliance with recipes and ingredient specifications.

- Perform routine quality inspections on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.

- Verify packaged products meet quality standards.

- Work with Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineers to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

2. Compliance & Documentation

- Maintain accurate records of quality checks, test results, and deviations using tools like iQMS.

- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations (CFIA, FDA, USDA, SQF, BRC, GFSI) and internal policies.

- Document all Quality Assurance (QA) processes and maintain necessary records.

- Assist in audit preparation and execution (internal, third-party, regulatory).

3. Quality Huddles & Continuous Improvement

- Actively participate in daily Quality Huddles, collecting and analyzing relevant samples.

- Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve quality deviations.

- Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and efficiency.

4. Food Safety & Sanitation

- Verify that sanitation procedures are followed to maintain a hygienic production environment.

- Conduct environmental monitoring and swab testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

- Enforce allergen control and cross-contamination prevention measures.

5. Training & Team Collaboration

- Educate production staff on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and quality standards.

- Work closely with R&D, Engineering, and Operations teams to support new product development and process improvements.

6. Investigation & Reporting

- Conduct root cause analysis on quality defects and customer complaints.

- Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurring issues.

- Generate and present quality reports to management.

7. Labeling, Packaging & Product Testing

- Ensure accurate labeling, coding, and packaging in compliance with regulations.

- Verify allergen declarations, ingredient lists, and nutritional information for accuracy.

- Conduct shelf-life evaluations to assess product stability and monitor packaging integrity to prevent contamination.

8. Learning & Skill Development

- Gain expertise in Six Sigma methodology as it applies to quality improvement.

- Obtain a Green Belt in Six Sigma within one year of starting the QCI Tech position.

- Act as a Six Sigma champion, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices within the bakery team.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience in quality assurance, continuous improvement, or a related role in a food manufacturing environment.

Technical & Analytical Skills

- Strong problem-solving skills and logical thinking to conduct root cause analysis effectively.
- Ability to analyze production data and generate actionable insights.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and industry best practices (preferred).
- Experience with quality management software, data analytics tools, and automation systems (a plus).
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies (preferred).

Soft Skills & Work Ethic

- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

- Customer and Product Centricity - Responds to the needs of both internal and external customers in a timely and courteous manner, showing a sense of urgency; always keeping our products front and centre.
- Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability - Adapts to changes; changes strategy in response to new information; responds appropriately and quickly without having all parameters defined; demonstrate tolerance for speed and uncertainty.
- Team Work and Collaboration - Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods of communication to gain agreement or acceptance of a plan or activity. Is effective in building constructive relationships; uses tact; interacts with others in an open, friendly manner, encourages collaboration.
- Relentless obsession with continuous improvement –Always looks for ways to improve effectiveness or efficiency, making recommendation to increase productivity in quality of work; develops innovative solutions, challenges the status quo. To be the best, never compromising.
- Drives Execution - Takes risks, learn from their mistakes, builds trust and is a role model to others. Has a "hands-on" style; is aggressive in achieving desired results.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

- Energizes and Mobilizes Team Members
- Team Member Selection – Takes ownership for selecting the right talent for the right role.
- Team Member Development – Continually develops and upgrades team members; coaching and sharing knowledge and experience, uses appropriate style and methods in enabling team to be successful.
- Team Member Engagement – Creates an environment where people enjoy working hard towards achieving mission, including creating an environment of fun and celebration while delivering results.
- Performance and Development Feedback – Communicates clear performance expectations, providing feedback in a straightforward and timely manner.
- Empowerment – Delegates effectively, providing support and opportunities for growth through empowering others.
- Change Management – Communicates change positively and seeks to enable change. Generates excitement to inspire others. Always communicating in an open manner.
- Consensus Building – Is effective at consensus building, always doing what is right for the business. Adheres to our mindset of no politics.

What is the recipe for a great career at Wonderbrands

Wonderbrands, is a leading Canadian bakery with 140 years of experience in baking packaged breads. We are the makers of Wonder Bread, Country Harvest, D'Italiano, Gadoua, and Casa Mendosa. We have a network of 14 Bakery Manufacturing facilities across Canada.

Wonderbrands, now part of the FGF Brands Group of companies, is unlocking an incredible opportunity for growth through a focus on production innovation capabilities, through a leading-edge supply chain practice and investing deeply in communities where we bake. We are heavily focused on embracing an entrepreneurial drive and a highly collaborative start up culture with an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

In compliance with Ontario's Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current existing vacancy within our organization.

Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added or this description may be amended at any time.

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