IT Quality Assurance Specialist

Mastronardi Produce pioneered the commercial greenhouse industry in North America, and we’re now the leading greenhouse vegetable company on the continent. Our award-winning, flavorful produce is packed under the SUNSET® brand and is available at leading grocery retailers across North America. Family owned for over 65 years, we pride ourselves on having the most flavorful products and the best people in the industry. We are constantly pushing boundaries to be a leader in fresh produce innovation. We seek individuals that demonstrate our PRIDE values (Passion, Respect, Innovation, Drive, Excellence) to help us fulfill our mission to inspire healthy living through WOW flavor experiences.

Our Headquarters in Kingsville, ON is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to join our Information Technology team. The Quality Assurance Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality products or services to customers. This role involves implementing quality assurance processes, conducting tests, identifying defects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve overall product or service quality. The Quality Assurance Specialist works closely with the development, testing, and business teams to meet quality standards and customer expectations.

**Values**:
To perform the job successfully, the incumbent’s behavior must be consistent with the PRIDE values expected of all Mastronardi Produce employees: be Passionate; have Respect; be Innovative; be Driven and strive for Excellence.

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Develop and implement quality assurance strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
- Design and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts to verify system functionality, performance, and reliability.
- Conduct various types of testing, including functional, regression, integration, and user acceptance testing.
- Identify, record, and track defects and issues using defect tracking tools, and work closely with development teams to resolve them.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to define quality requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
- Perform risk assessments and impact analysis to prioritize testing efforts and focus on high-risk areas.
- Develop and maintain test data and test environments to support testing activities.
- Participate in the design and review of software and system specifications to ensure testability and quality.
- Conduct root cause analysis of defects and provide recommendations for process improvements.
- Work closely with developers, business analysts, and project managers to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the development lifecycle.
- Monitor and report on testing progress, including test coverage, defects discovered, and overall quality metrics.
- Develop and maintain test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and test scripts.
- Provide training and guidance to team members on quality assurance processes and best practices.
- Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in quality assurance and testing methodologies.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand customer feedback and incorporate it into quality improvement initiatives.
- Participate in the evaluation and selection of testing tools and technologies to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the software development lifecycle and quality assurance processes.
- Participate in the planning and execution of system upgrades and releases, ensuring proper testing and quality validation.
- Champion quality assurance standards and practices within the organization, promoting a culture of quality and excellence.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive quality initiatives and ensure alignment with business goals.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.
- Proven experience as a Quality Assurance Specialist or in a similar role.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and quality assurance principles.
- Solid knowledge of testing methodologies, tools, and techniques.
- Experience with test management tools and defect tracking systems.
- Proficiency in writing clear and concise test plans, test cases, and test scripts.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and troubleshoot issues.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with complex systems and requirements.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and experience working in Agile teams.
- Knowledge of automated testing frameworks and tools