Lab Technician

Laboratory Technician

Arla Foods Inc., a leading manufacturer of Specialty cheeses, with International market dominance, has an exciting opportunity for a results-driven Laboratory Technician who enjoys working in a fast paced environment. With over 60 years of heritage innovating Tre Stelle and Castello cheeses, Arla has a solid reputation for manufacturing Quality products that hold leading positions across its brand categories.

The Opportunity:

As part of a winning team, the incumbent will be responsible to test products at the required frequency, ensuring that they meet or exceed required specifications for Food Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Safety, in the achievement of our Company Goals.

The selected candidates will be located in our Concord Dairy (675 Rivermede Road, Concord ON) and will perform the full time role of Lab Technician, and will work on the afternoon shift (1pm-10pm).

Responsibilities:

• Collect and test all incoming materials, in-process products, water, brine and finished product samples for internal and external testing using both chemical & Micro analysis.
• Prepare laboratory materials and samples for microbiological/chemical testing.
• Maintain Laboratory analysis, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and SOP records related to Laboratory procedures.
• Work collaboratively with Quality Assurance technicians across the various functional areas to communicate micro and chemical results on equipment, incoming raw materials, and in-process and finished products.
• Daily review all internal results and advise Quality Assurance Supervisor of any non-conformances.
• Perform micro and chemical analysis of shelf life samples, compile results, and report findings to Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Maintain, document, and track all results in associated databases.
• Advise stakeholders of non-conforming products on hold and next step actions as required.
• Communicate with all stakeholders and advise them to complete quality related tasks when required.
• Ensure that all Laboratory SOPs are followed as per internal and external protocols.
• Implement strategies and take actions to ensure Food Safety, Quality and legal standards are met (HACCP, CFIA, etc).
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis for customers.
• Participate in HACCP, SQF, and GMP audits as required.
• Prepare product related KPIs and advise QA Supervisor to determine product performance on weekly/monthly basis.
• Act as back up for QA technicians and conduct daily and weekly environmental swabbing of Food contact surfaces, non-food contact surfaces and drains as per internal matrix.
• Prepare Chain of Custody reports (COC) for environmental swabs and semi-finished or finished products as required.
• Assist in the development, revision and training of quality SOPs.
• Perform calibrations of standard laboratory and food safety related equipment in accordance to program standards.
• Weekend shift coverage when required.

Basic Job Requirements:

• Experience with KPI trending of test results and deviations.
• Ability to strictly adhere to Quality, HACCP, GMP and other related standards and procedures.
• Strong Customer Service mentality for internal customers.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills, detail orientation, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Education & Experience Required:

• Minimum completion of a Bachelors Degree/Diploma in Dairy technology, Science, or equivalent;
• Minimum of two years previous experience performing lab tests (micro/chemical) required.
• Previous experience working in the dairy industry or a related food manufacturing environment considered an asset.

Company Benefits

In pursuing this exciting opportunity, the selected individuals will be awarded with competitive wages including group benefits and company sponsored pension program.

Grow at Arla Foods

At Arla, we do so much more than make some of the world's favorite dairy products. Every single one of us plays an important role and together we build and help establish our position as one of the largest dairy companies in the world.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume. Arla Foods is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences (for which a pardon has been granted), disability, marital or family status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at the email address above to provide your contact information. While we appreciate all resume submissions, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Concord, ON L4K 2G9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

• The shift assignment is 1pm - 10pm; can you work this shift timing? (Yes or No)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• performing lab tests (micro/chemical): 2 years (preferred)
• Laboratory: 2 years (preferred)
• Food Manufacturing: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person