Quality Assurance Manager

Overview Quadra Group is one of the largest distributors of ingredients in North America. Our Oakville, Ontario site, part of our Ingredients Division, specializes in the development, marketing and production of high-quality, functional dry food ingredient blends for processed foods, beverages and dairy products. We are seeking a food professional to fill the role of Quality Assurance Manager at our Oakville manufacturing and blending plant. This role requires a full-time presence in the Oakville office and reports to the Compliance Director. Responsibilities Develop and implement an overall strategy and quality assurance management system for food blending operations while supporting Quadra's mission, vision and values Lead the development and execution of processes that improve the quality and safety of manufactured products Develop and maintain quality standards, procedures, documentation (standard operating procedures and policies) and specifications for raw materials, blending processes and finished products to ensure the level of quality and safety of our products Establish and implement quality control processes to monitor and improve the production of blended food products Ensure that all quality standards and policies are met or exceeded, and that processes and manufacturing are continuously improved Support the production team in the development and maintenance of changeover and sanitation procedures, including pre-op and pre-assembly inspections Prepare and present regular reports to management on key quality indicators Promote and integrate "safety" as a pillar of the food manufacturing culture and strategies in all aspects of the production plant that require safe and quality results within the entire organization Perform all tasks related to quality assurance, including inspections, specification review, product release, etc. Oversee the QA/QC laboratory Lead and mentor a team of Quality Assurance professionals, providing guidance and support, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability Lead the team with inspiration and positivity, including performance management, recruitment, skills development, as well as management of annual processes (salary increases, reviews, etc.) Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as production, operations, R&D and sales teams to integrate quality processes into all aspects of production and ensure compliance with food safety practices Help the Operations team evaluate plant manufacturing processes and procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement Assist operations, R&D and sales teams in developing and implementing administrative and technical controls to ensure impeccable product quality and reliability Provide training programs for production and quality assurance personnel to improve understanding of and compliance with quality standards Keep abreast of industry best practices and integrate relevant training into the quality assurance program Assist the team in resolving day-to-day quality or operational issues Compliance, Regulatory Oversight & Continuous Improvement Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, industry standards and company policies Support internal and external inspections or audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards, and address non-conformances found during audits Interface with regulatory bodies during inspections and audits, respond to any findings and implement corrective actions Keep abreast of food safety regulations and industry best practices and ensure that the company remains compliant with relevant standards (e.g. HC, CFIA, HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, Halal, Kosher, etc.) Investigate and resolve customer complaints and internal non-conformities promptly Conduct root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action initiatives for any deviations from quality standards Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiencies in food manufacturing and blending operations Implement corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformances and drive continuous improvement initiatives Supplier and Vendor Management Collaborate with procurement and sales teams to establish and maintain quality standards for raw materials and ingredients used in food mixing operations Conduct supplier evaluations to ensure reliability and quality of incoming materials Evaluate and qualify new suppliers, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards Qualifications Completed bachelors degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology, biology or quality management. Advanced degrees or certifications are considered a major asset At least 10 years' experience in quality assurance management in a food manufacturing environment; knowledge of food regulations and quality standards is required At least 5 years' experience in team management, leadership/coaching of a team dedicated to quality assurance, preferably in food production Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems (BRC, GMP, HACCP, CFIA, SQF, etc.), including program development, implementation and auditing Strong understanding of quality control standards and methodological tools (Six Sigma, Lean, ISO standards) Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team Foster a positive, quality-focused culture within your team; hold coaching expertise to provide advice, support and training Sharp eye for detail to identify and deal with potential problems Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and become a business partner of choice Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Suite, Salesforce, E1, JD Edwards, etc.) Working Conditions This role is based in our Oakville office and 100% office presence is required You must be willing to work occasional afternoons and evenings (required as needed); The position may require occasional after-hours work and frequent attendance at the production plant Compensation and Benefits At Quadra, we offer an engaging culture and a supportive environment with autonomy and flexibility. The role includes a competitive base salary with incentives, a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth. Quadra has been recognized as a Great Place to Work and has been named among Best Managed Companies for over 20 years. Permanent, full-time position Competitive salary & performance incentives Flexible remote work & autonomy Tailored training Excellent benefits package Generous time off Wellness programs Pension plan with match Inclusive culture Career growth Fun social activities Referral & recognition programs And much more Compensation Information : The annual base pay range for this position is reasonably expected to be $98,707 to $150,000. The base pay is a guideline and total compensation will vary based on experience, knowledge, and education Base salary is part of the total rewards package; this role is eligible for a generous incentive program and full benefits. If you are passionate about quality and thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment, we invite you to apply. Join us in our mission to provide superior quality food products while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. Quadra supports and values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. We recognize that some people do not identify themselves as either male or female and use gender-neutral wording where possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr