Quality Assurance Coordinator

**Who We Are**:
At Nature's Touch, we're a purpose-driven leader in the private brand frozen fruit industry, serving North America, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan for over 21 years. With more than 500 employees and millions of households enjoying our products, we're recognized for quality, innovation, and sustainability-earning multiple industry awards. Join our collaborative team and make an impact in a company where your ideas, growth, and contributions truly matter.

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**Position Overview**:
The Quality Assurance Coordinator is a hands-on, detail-oriented professional who supports food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across departments. Reporting to the QA Manager, this permanent, full-time role is based at our Montreal Plant and operates on the day shift.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Team Support_
- Train, coach, and support QA technicians across all shifts.
- Ensure consistent execution of QA tasks and coverage during QA Manager absences.
- Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Food Safety Program Ownership_
- Act as the HACCP and SQF practitioner, maintaining and updating food safety plans.
- Lead annual food safety training for all relevant staff.
- Ensure compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GDP (Good Documentation Practices) throughout the plant.
- Compliance & Certification Management_
- Maintain and enforce standards related to certifications (e.g., SQF, HACCP, organic, kosher).
- Ensure documentation, specifications, and regulatory requirements are current and consistently followed.
- Conduct regular floor audits and compliance checks.
- Risk Detection & Mitigation_
- Proactively identify potential food safety risks and initiate corrective actions.
- Lead root cause analysis and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions) for deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
- Document findings and ensure timely resolution and follow-up.
- Quality Operations Oversight_
- Supervise daily quality inspections and ensure proper execution.
- Manage the hold and release process for raw materials and finished goods.
- Monitor and report on quality KPIs and performance metrics.
- Environmental & Safety Monitoring_
- Lead the environmental monitoring program (e.g., swabbing, pathogen testing).
- Oversee safety risk controls and ensure plant-wide compliance with safety protocols.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration_
- Serve as a technical resource for Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Corporate teams.
- Participate in cross-departmental projects to improve food safety systems and culture.
- Support validation and qualification of new products, equipment, and processes.
- Audit Management_
- Lead internal and external audits, including preparation, execution, and follow-up.
- Ensure audit readiness and drive continuous improvement based on audit findings.
- Communication & Reporting_
- Communicate effectively with all levels of staff, from floor employees to senior management.
- Act as a mobilizer and reference point for GMP/GDP practices.
- Contribute to data collection and reporting for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Additional Duties_
- Support other QA and operational tasks as needed.
- Participate in strategic initiatives to enhance food safety culture and operational excellence.

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**Requirements**:

- University degree in Food Science and Technology or equivalent (e.g., ITA - Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire).
- ** Certification in HACCP or GFSI (required).**:

- ** Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in food manufacturing, processing, or related industries such as food service, retail and distribution, pharmaceuticals, or CPG-where safety, hygiene, and hazard prevention are critical.**:

- Knowledge of BRC, SQF, or FSSC 22000 is considered an asset.
- Bilingual: English is required for global operations; French is essential for internal communication and compliance in Quebec.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

**Key Qualities**:

- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to follow procedures meticulously and ensure compliance.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Strong time management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Demonstrates rigor, autonomy, initiative, and respect for confidentiality.

**Working Conditions**:

- This role is based on-site at the plant (5 days per week).
- Includes regular floor inspections in a cold environment.
- Must be able to work in these conditions; appropriate clothing will be provided.