Quality Assurance Specialist

**Quality Assurance Specialist**

NEXE INNOVATIONS INC. develops materials and technology for compostable single-serve packaging to confront the global problem of plastic pollution. We are seeking a qualified **Quality Assurance Manager **to join our team who can deliver effectively and on-time on the objectives of NEXE’s production and operation-related initiatives.

We are looking for an QA Manager who is detail-oriented, exceptionally organized, able to manage complex systems, and who has excellent communication skills. QA Managers can expect to work with associated documentation, complete tasks alone and in teams, manage multiple inventories, and report to and advise company management.

NEXE is on a mission to replace everyday products with plant-based materials. Our work atmosphere is safety-focused, supportive, collaborative and performance-driven. We are committed to continuous improvement and the growth of our employees, with programs that support learning, engagement and career advancement. Are you ready to join a successful team where your contribution makes a difference?

**Responsibilities and Duties of the Quality Assurance Specialist will include**:

- Ensure that the company’s HACCP system requirements are being met on a continuous basis through guidance, direction and follow up;
- Executes quality procedures such as monitoring of plant good manufacturing practices; performs inspections, calibrations, environmental, sanitation and pest control monitoring;
- Conduct inspection of in process and finished products for compliance to specifications and the completion of required paperwork;
- Conducts product shelf-life analysis and monitors compliance to shelf life standards;
- Provides Food Safety training, including GMP training and other quality and food safety training needed to execute the quality management system;
- Implement the QA program through communication with production personnel in the facility;
- Sample testing & analysis, report writing, problem solving & trouble shooting of product quality issues;
- Ensure raw materials, manufacturing processes, plant environment and finished products meet established formulations and specifications.;
- Assist in investigating product quality issues and report them to management;
- Other food safety and quality control related jobs as assigned by the Plant Manager;
- Promote a positive and professional relationship with CFIA, Management, and co-workers.Ensure that the company’s Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification requirements are being met on a continuous basis through guidance, direction and follow up;
- Develop, implement, maintain, and reassess the Quality Assurance programs required to operate an internationally certified company;
- Work with the Plant Operations, Product Management and Product Development Teams on new product launches to ensure new products meet specifications;
- Routine employee training on quality, regulatory, and food safety principles and policies;
- Reviews production issues, ensure problems are resolved, and follows-up on internal and external complaints;
- Ensures raw materials, manufacturing processes, production environment and finished products meet established formulations and specifications;
- Direct communication to local regulatory bodies on any major issues or concerns, ensure all new regulatory requirements are implemented and work with the appropriate operations staff to implement the necessary changes or corrective actions;
- Provides leadership during customer or other regulatory agency audits of the production facilities;
- Implementation and maintenance of regular sanitation audits. Lead contact with outside pest control, sanitation contractors, and sanitation chemical supplier(s);
- Create and execute project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements;
- Develop and ensure SOPs are complete, current, and stored appropriately;
- Schedule meetings, document meeting minutes and distribute to the team.
- The QA Manager will be responsible for pre-operational inspections and on-line QC checks.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- Ability to communicate risks effectively and appropriately determine the impact to schedules;
- Exhibits confidence and extensive knowledge of emerging industry practices when solving business problems;
- Able to focus while under pressure and pay close attention to detail;
- Willingness to multi-task and be flexible to take on varied responsibilities;
- Good judgment for proactively and independently solving problems and making decisions;
- Knowledge and experience with manufacturing practices relating to food and beverage products;
- Computer knowledge and the ability to work with various programs (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
- Thrives in a changing, dynamic environment;
- Able to work flexible hours when requested;
- Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with the team.
- Outstanding communication