Quality Assurance Technician

**About us**:
Sofina Foods is one of Canada's leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for retail and foodservice customers as well as international markets. We manufacture pork, beef, turkey, chicken and fish products. Our family of brands include: Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher's, Vienna, Riserva and Zamzam. We are also the exclusive distributor of Italy’s finest Rio Mare & Lavazza products in Canada.

**Role Summary**:
Quality Assurance Technician monitors and inspects finished and in-process products, materials, equipment, and production facilities to ensure compliance with Sofina’s overall Quality Management System and Programs, customer expectations and government regulations.

**Key Accountabilities**:

- Understand all QA documents such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Plans, CCPs (Critical Control Points), pre-requisite programs, Standard Operating Procedures; and complete corresponding records, to ensure procedures and records are followed and completed appropriately.
- Perform Quality Assurance checks such as CCP checks, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) monitoring, pre-operational inspection, prerequisite checks, conformity of finished products throughout the manufacturing process, inspect incoming material, etc. to ensure all procedures are fully implemented and to confirm acceptance to required specifications.
- Understand, operate and calibrate all lab equipment (such as scales, thermometers, FOSS equipment, etc.) in accordance with standard operating procedures. Conduct microbiological tests such as swabbing, air sampling, listeria sampling and assess/report results to ensure compliance to Sofina / Customer Standards and government regulations. Maintain accurate lab records, documentation, etc.
- Participate in internal and external quality audits and operational reviews. Conduct quality audits. Provide timely feedback to the QA Manager and Plant Management on quality issues and recommends corrective actions and preventative measures. Assist the QA Manager and/or HACCP Coordinator
- in orienting all employees on quality, regulatory and food safety principles and policies and in ensuring they remain current in their knowledge.
- Train all personnel at the Plant (i.e. production, quality, shipping, maintenance, etc.) on quality requirements.
- Accountable to participate in QA projects such as microbiological sample collection (e.g. Salmonella, Listeria), collecting template data, validation studies, new product launch, etc. with a goal of improved compliance and operational efficiency.
- May assume the responsibilities of the HACCP Coordinator in their absence.

**Qualification**:

- Certificate or Diploma in Food
- Science/Microbiology or a related discipline, with relevant food processing experience.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, Quality regulatory requirements and systems including
- GFSI standards (BRC).
- Strong understanding of manufacturing food processes.
- Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills required.

**Working conditions**:
Physical Effort
- This position requires normal physical effort and is a combination of office and plant work.
Physical Environment
- Moderate exposure to factors such as temperature extremes, moving machinery, noise and fumes. Position typically operates in an agreeable work environment; requiring ability to operate independently and with mínimal oversight.
Sensory Attention
- There is a regular need to pay attention, by hearing or seeing, to what is happening in your surroundings.
Mental Stress
- There is regular pressure from deadlines or other productivity standards.

SMARK