Organic Certification

At **Terra Freska Produce Inc.**, we're looking for an experienced and knowledgeable **Organic Certification & Food Safety Specialist** to lead our certification programs and manage audits, all within a fast-paced, fresh produce environment.

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Own and maintain all food safety, quality, and certification programs relevant to the business (e.g., organic certification, GFSI-based standards, HACCP/PRP systems, supplier audits).
- Develop, implement, and monitor the food safety & certification schedule (renewals, audits, inspections, supplier compliance).
- Lead internal audits and prepare the organization for external audits (certification bodies, customers), including coordinating with departments, documenting non-conformances, tracking corrective actions, and verifying closure.
- Perform risk assessments, gap analyses, and root-cause investigations in case of non-compliance, product recalls, or food safety incidents.
- Prepare and maintain documentation, records, and reports for regulatory authorities and certifying agencies; ensure adherence to federal (e.g., Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and provincial food safety regulations, and relevant organic/produce industry rules.
- Supervise the Quality Control Team, overseeing daily inspections, documentation, and compliance with food safety and product standards. Provide training, review quality reports, and ensure audit readiness in coordination with production operations.
- Train and coach cross-functional team members (production, packaging, supply chain, procurement, QC) on food safety requirements, certification expectations, and audit readiness.
- Collaborate with operations, production shifts, and supply chain teams to integrate food safety practices into daily operations — ensuring safe, certified produce under pressure and at speed.
- Monitor industry best practices, regulatory changes, and certification-standard updates in the produce/organic sectors, and proactively recommend improvements.
- Work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain quality and compliance.

**What We’re Looking For**
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Safety, Food Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related discipline.
- **5+ years of experience** leading food safety systems and certification programs in a food production, fresh produce, or processing environment (e.g., organic, HACCP/PRP, GFSI, audit programs).
- Certification as an **Organic Certification Auditor**, HACCP Practitioner, SQF Practitioner, or Internal Auditor (ISO 9001/ISO 22000) is required.
- Experience in supplier quality management, traceability systems, and recall programs.
- Proven success in managing audits (internal and external), working with certification bodies, and implementing corrective actions.
- Up-to-date knowledge of Ontario/Canada food safety regulations (e.g., Safe Food for Canadians Act, CFIA requirements) and organic certification regimes.
- Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement training is an asset.
- Strong computer skills (MS Office, audit/quality software) with the ability to generate reports, KPI dashboards, and track metrics.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present complex technical information in clear, simple terms.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis abilities; attention to detail and audit orientation.
- Team-oriented and capable of leading cross-functional initiatives.

**How to Apply**

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Accessibility and Inclusion**

Terra Freska Produce Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace that respects and supports the dignity, independence, and inclusion of all individuals.

We are dedicated to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in compliance with the **Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)** and the **Ontario Human Rights Code**.

Terra Freska is committed to providing an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match

Application question(s):

- Have you led or implement HACCP, FSMA and SOPs certification programs in the organic or conventional produce industry? Explain which certification had you working on.

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

**Experience**:

- developing and maintaining HACCP, FSMA and SOPs.: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- HACCP and GFSI training Certificate ? (required)

**Location**:

- Vaughan, ON L4L 8Z7 (required)

Work Location: In person