Quality Assurance Specialist

About Us The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the provincial online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the exclusive provincial wholesaler to authorized private retail stores. Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We are a diverse team passionate about delivering great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We are an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard. About the Role We're looking for a Quality Assurance Specialist to join our team at the OCS Guelph Distribution Centre In this role, you’ll ensure compliance with the Cannabis Act and related regulations by managing essential quality functions at the OCS Distribution Centre. You’ll be responsible for reviewing Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), validating label claims, conducting inbound product inspections, managing product disposition, and overseeing Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs). This position also supports vendor engagement and plays a key role in maintaining product integrity, regulatory compliance, and timely product availability to market. About your Day Track quality metrics/performance data, identify trends, gaps and provide recommendations for improvement. Prepare reports to communicate the outcomes of quality activities. Perform data analysis to identify trends, gaps and recommend updates/ changes to quality standards and procedures as needed. Gather insights from data such as regulatory compliance, Quality operations and consumer complaints to drive improvement opportunities. Analyze complaints data to identify trends and generate Quality Performance Reports Manage CRM, share point and various other repositories utilized for data. Coordinate and support vendor performances reviews both externally and internally. Engage with OCS vendors to increase awareness and maintain conformance of quality and safety requirements through complaints investigation and supplier corrective actions response management. Ensure timely closures of customer complaints and Supplier corrective actions reports (SCAR) to meet departmental timeline objectives. Monitor risk management activities and elevate as required. Assure ongoing compliance with quality and industry regulatory requirements. Coordinate with cross‑functional teams for supplier onboarding processes. Review and maintain records of reported quality incidents and investigation reports. Support SCAR projects with cross‑functional team. Perform quality inspection in accordance with protocol/procedures for product receipt at OCS warehouse. Identify, communicate, and investigate with suppliers on non‑conformance observations as part of quality inspection and follow up on action items until completion. Review Certificate of Analysis (COA) and applicable records for compliance. Perform label/packaging review of product call submissions in compliance to Cannabis Act, Cannabis Regulations, and related regulations. Communicate to suppliers of non‑conformance observations as part of label/packaging review and work with suppliers for resolution. Support in handling recalls and working stakeholders to ensure containment of impacted products, reconciliation of inventory and closure. Provide regulatory guidance and work cross‑functionally with other quality stream departments and internal stakeholders with inquiries related to quality. Support departmental projects through active participation, testing and training. About You Bachelor’s Degree in a Science or Engineering field (ex. Industrial, food Microbiology, etc.) Post Graduate Certification in Cannabis Quality Control/Assurance or Regulatory Affairs, SQF or GMP is an asset 2-3 years of experience in Quality Assurance / Quality Control within a food or pharmaceutical and/or Cannabis manufacturing environment Training, experience and technical knowledge related to the requirements of the Cannabis Regulations and related Regulations for all classes of cannabis. QA work experience in a GMP environment is an asset Experience working in a warehouse/distribution center environment is preferred Experience in a regulated industry, manufacturing operations, cross-functional such as regulatory affairs, category management, retail supply chain, customer care, and government agencies is preferred Quality Management System Certification Excellent interpersonal, reporting and technical written and verbal communication skills Excellent attention to detail Ability to handle a fast‑paced working environment with rapidly changing priorities Intermediate MS Office Skills including Excel and PowerPoint About the Job Hours of Work: 36.25 a week Employment Type: Full- Time, Permanent (Bargaining Unit Role; Represented by OPSEU) Work Location: OCS Guelph Distribution Centre (onsite role) Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA Application Deadline: January 22, 2026 at 11:59PM EST Compensation The target hiring range for this position is $73,113- $78,000. This is a pay grade 7 BU role, with a salary range of $73,113- $89,361. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr