Manager - Food Safety & Quality Assurance

At Farm Boy, it is our mission to create a fun, fresh experience for all Whether you are a team member or a customer, Farm Boy is passionate about creating a unique fresh food shopping experience and ensuring that we deliver on our commitments.

As we continue to grow within Ontario, Farm Boy is excited to welcome new team members that share our passion for providing the best fresh shopping experience

The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the execution of the FSQA programs at our Central facilities. The FSQA Manager will be a key member in driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced and demanding environment by establishing and maintaining positive relationships with production, regulatory authorities and other internal and external contacts. The performance of the duties must ensure a quality service approach to all employees, customers and suppliers. All responsibilities must be performed in a manner consistent with the Farm Boy Way.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide FSQA site leadership and guidance to the FSQA team and to other functional groups on food safety and quality related opportunities and issues.
• Contribute as a key member of the facility leadership team providing input on strategic decisions, continuous improvement and driving food safety culture.
• Actively participate in recurring cross functional meetings including sanitation meetings, production meetings, project meetings, and others as required.
• Support change management activities related to processes, programs and/or systems at the facility.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement within existing production facilities and FSQA programs, lead and support the implementation of changes at the facilities.
• Lead the plant team during internal and external audits (e.g. CFIA, Public Health, OMFRA), including preparation activities and any required corrective actions and related communication.
• Develop and advance relationships with regulatory bodies, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Validate documentation is maintained and Kosher Certification.
• Review and approve new equipment and facility structural and flow changes.
• Lead and facilitate food safety and quality risk assessments for product development projects, and as required when food safety and/or quality concerns are identified.
• Ensure timely resolution of any required corrective actions associated with audits and food safety or quality incidents.
• Lead, coach and develop the facilities FSQA team.
• Using fact-based analysis, provide guidance and recommendations to improve the facility's food safety and quality systems.
• Ensure effective execution of all food safety and quality programs to meet all regulatory requirements.
• Lead facility activities during any potential product recalls and withdrawals. 
• Conduct mock recall annually, review recall plan and revise as necessary.
• Lead investigations into consumer and customer complaints in a thorough and timely manner.
• Develop, execute and champion OMFRA and HACCP as a key member of the FSQA team.
• Ensure adherence to product specifications, establishing and assuring adherence to QMS governance, trend analysis of QMS performance to identify, enable, and support implementation of process improvements as defined within QMS governance.
• Assist the plant FSQA budget and help evaluate production costs and productivity and implement cost reduction and productivity increase measures.

• Typically requires post-secondary degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline, along with a minimum of 5 years experience leading a high performing FSQA team in a regulated food manufacturing facility.
• Ability to leverage exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to develop productive internal and external relationships.
• Excellent observation and problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of OMFRA, HACCP, regulatory requirements, relevant regulations.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels to achieve desired results.
• Technical knowledge of quality and food safety.
• Ability to use data to identify trends and proactively identify and implement corrective actions to mitigate and/or eliminate associated risks.
• Ability to set and prioritize goals and objectives and communicate these to peers, direct reports, and senior leadership.
• Detail-focused with exemplary organizational, analytical, and planning abilities.
• Strong systems skills (including MS Office).
• Good written and oral communication skills with the ability to proactively share ideas or findings.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently in an ever-changing, fast paced environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule depending on the needs of the business.

Work & Sensory Environment:

• May be required to lift, carry and/or handle heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Providing service to several people or departments, working under many simultaneous deadlines.
• Required to stand, walk, sit, and reach and occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Required to travel between Farm Boy stores, Home Office and/or Central Operations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include nights and weekends.
• Exposure to environmental elements such as noise, dirt, dust, vibration and changing temperatures.
• Ability to work in a cool environment for prolonged periods (4 to 6 degrees Celsius).

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities.