Job Description
DescriptionChampion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Manager, Quality Assurance (QA) to join our rapidly growing company. Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN and ACANA brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions. We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company. Here’s the Scoop – Summary The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager ensures that quality standards and procedures are in place, current, and aligned with government regulations and customer specifications. This individual is responsible to manage the kitchens quality assurance policies and procedures and is fully capable of updating or implementing new procedures and practices in line with new product development processes, changes to regulation, and new markets, while constantly striving towards continuous improvement. The QA Manager will also establish department performance standards, procedures, and audit controls to meet business requirements, as well as identify and implement process improvements to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of company operations. The QA Manager will be the designated SQF Practitioner, responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the system and maintenance of the SQF Program. The QA Manager works out of our production facility in Acheson, Alberta, and reports directly to the Plant Director. What a typical day looks like: Provides leadership in the development, management and implementation of company Quality Assurance Programs and Policies (HACCP, SOP, GMP, etc.) Ensure ongoing compliance with local, national, and international standards and legislation. Oversees the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals and the food safety plan; Takes appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF System including communication of essential information to all personnel involved in implementing and maintaining the SQF System. Responsible for leading, developing and directing Quality Assurance team in achieving the goals and ambitions of the organization. Communicate expectations and manage employee performance. Perform gap analysis between applicable standards and/or regulations with current practices and QA systems. Establish and implement a quality plan to ensure the company meets industry and regulatory compliance. Advise executive team on system performance. Perform internal QA audits that are compliant with corporate policies, practices, and procedures. Conduct risk analyses, verification, validation activities, and formal design reviews, as applicable. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all products manufactured by the kitchen as well as the raw materials, packaging materials, and operations required in the manufacturing process including quality specifications and standards. Collaborate with client-facing customer service representatives to ensure full customer satisfaction with the company’s products and services. Support new product development and continuous improvement by integrating quality control tools (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) into processes. Promote and advocate quality achievement and performance improvement across the organization. Involvement in Capital Project planning team. Maintain a constant awareness of company profitability, including budgetary control issues. Perform other duties as assigned. What are we looking for? Degree in Food Science or other related degree. Minimum 5 years’ direct work experience in a food manufacturing facility. Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety (HACCP principals, GMPs, SOPs and SSOPs, Pest Control & Recall programs) and associated standards that include risk management, product testing, capability studies and control plans. Knowledge of the fresh meat extrusion process is desirable. Must possess excellent communication skills for liaising and communicating with vendors, auditors, customers, and internal departments. Able to interface directly with cross-functional teams Ability to create and review technical documentation, including project plans, test procedures, and design documents. High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office productivity suite. A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills. Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, key business partners, and government agencies. Self-directed, highly motivated, detail oriented, and able to work independently while providing leadership to a team. Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills. Demonstrated ability to train, coach, evaluate, and improve others. Motivated, energetic, goal-oriented, with a strong work ethic and positive team attitude. A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills. Working Conditions: Work environment is in a pet food production facility office; the position works both in the office and production facility, with exposure to dust, noise, odours, and fluctuating temperatures. Ability to physically inspect company property and assets, in order to meet food safety requirements. Ability to attend and conduct presentations. Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Extended hours of work as required. Some travel may be required What can you expect from Champion? Safety:a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment. Earnings:Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching. Industry Competitive Benefits:Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs. Continuing Education:In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program. Quality:a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere. Other Perks:Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more! What are you waiting for? Join the pack! Come as you are. We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us. Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.#J-18808-Ljbffr