QA Technician

Concord Confections, the manufacturer of Dubble Bubble gum and other fine candy products, is seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance (QA) Technician. This role is critical to maintaining and enhancing food safety, regulatory/other compliance, and product quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Including but not limited to)

· Ensure compliance to Regulatory Requirements (CFIA, USDA, FDA), Food Safety Programs (HACCP and SQF), and Finished Product Specification.

· Monitor production lines to ensure raw materials, in-process control and finished goods are produces according to product and process specification.

· Monitor Packaging Integrity, perform process capability & optimization studies.

· Actively performs on-site quality checks on the production floor in all areas. Inspect finished product to ensure compliance.

· Report non-compliances and take corrective action to assure compliance to all quality and food safety requirements on a daily basis.

· Maintain an attitude of continuous process improvement and training of employees to raise their food safety and product quality awareness.

· Perform Daily Monitoring and Verification tasks as outlined in HACCP program and ensure corrective actions for deviations. Prerequisite program requirements (area audits).

· Acts as QA representative on shift in decision making and issue resolution, escalating serious issues to production management and QA Supervisor/Manager as required.

· Audit site data and documentation to assure product and processes are in compliance with GMPs, HACCP and SQF Programs.

· Support and execute Company`s Food Safety Programs at the facility in conjunctions with Operations, Maintenance, Sanitation and all other plant functional areas.

· Maintain accurate documentation related to Quality Control and HACCP. Verify quality and food safety documentation daily.

· Responsible for putting product on hold and rejecting product at receiving that doesn't meet company`s standard.

· Audit site data and documentation to assure product and processes are in compliance with Food Safety and Quality Programs.

· Perform or assist in daily quality and food safety decision making based on established process to ensure product meets the quality standards and food safety requirements of Concord Confections and its Customers.

· Operate, maintain and calibrate lab equipment. Compile records and interpret experimental and analytical results.

· Responsible for sample collection, equipment calibration and ensuring that all materials and product parameters are being adhered to.

· Assist with development of testing procedures and SOPs.

· Assist in investigation and issuing response to customer complaints.

· Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices. Perform GMP audits.

· Verify and Audit Sanitation Practices and chemical concentrations as outlined in the Chemical Control Program.

· Conduct Product Sampling and Environmental swabbing. Ensure results are updated in Environmental Monitoring Database, and proper corrective action taken.

· Assist with analysis of Sanitation/Environmental data to determine root cause of deficiencies and provide sanitation and operation team feedback on performance and necessary improvement.

· Participate in proficiency programs, projects, internal & external audits when required.

· Provides technical expertise to the Manufacturing Operators regarding product quality, food safety and good manufacturing practices.

· Conduct GMP audits and communicate findings to plant management.

· Assist and participate during 3rd party audit on assigned tasks.

· Conduct Process Audits to verify all processes remains true to written specification.

· Participate in projects and meetings with the goal of improving food safety and quality.

· Responsible to report food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.

· Accomplish all paperwork within established timeframes or record keeping requirements.

· Be engaged in R&D/product and package development tasks, including trials in processing and packaging, sampling, testing, data analysis, data collection and reporting.

· Lead and/or support projects and tasks at both Concord Confections sites, within and outside QA Department, as and when required.

· Fill in for other QA Technicians during absences, across different shifts. Be trained to be a back up to a QA Supervisor.

· Support QA & other departments, including evenings & weekends when needed.

· Be cross-trained in Packaging QA to provide support, as needed.

· Be trained and flexible to work at any of the 2 Concord sites and in any shift, based on company needs.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATION

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience: 2+ years in Food or other CPG industry, in a QA Tech or similar role.
• Knowledge: Working knowledge of QA tasks, Auditing, Lab techniques and analysis. Understanding of HACCP, GMPs, SQF or equivalent requirements.
• Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills. Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft excel. Ability to analyze data in excel, use chart. Experience with QA systems (e.g., Genesis R&D, Laserfiche) is a plus.

Other: Able to lift/move materials and work flexible hours as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• RRSP match
• Store discount
• Vision care

Work Location: In person