Job Description

The Opportunity:

The FSQA Team Leader at the Heritage facility is responsible for ensuring the effective functioning of the food safety programs through task review, verification, and monitoring activities, as well as program review and auditing functions. The incumbent will lead & engage cross functional teams during audit completion and development of corrective action plans for regulatory and internal non-compliance findings.

Reason for vacancy:  Existing Headcount 
Compensation:  $62,000 - $91,000 CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by September 14. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Supervise a staff of QA Process Leaders, ensuring that tasks are conducted consistently, efficiently and meet the needs of the business.
• Administering Quality and Food Safety programs and protocols
• Planning QA staffing requirements according to staffing levels and production demands, including approving of hours on a weekly basis and vacation scheduling.
• Work with the Employee Services Department to hire direct reports and onboard effectively
• Administer training (one on one, or group training). Training includes but is not limited to equipment training, food safety training, WHMIS, SDS packages, basic micro and chemistry.
• Participate in cross functional SOP development, updating and implementation.
• Provide HACCP and MLF Food Safety and Quality program updates, maintenance, verification's and function as a cross functional liaison to ensure the plant is meeting regulatory and compliance requirements for all stakeholders
• Preparing for third party audits (CVS, HACCP, BRC, FSQMS or customer) and prepare/coach cross functional managers before and during these audits.
• Assist in follow up, investigations and issue any corrective actions, if necessary, based on deviations found in plant process or resulting from customer complaints.
• Assist with environmental monitoring program for all relevant parts of equipment and areas of the facility (RTE - TPC, Listeria, ATP, RAW - ATP, TPC).  Ensure results are populated/updates in Environmental Monitoring System (EMS).
• Assist with analysis of sanitation/environmental data to determine root cause of deficiencies and provide sanitation and operations team feedback on performance and necessary improvements.
• Audit and report non-compliance and take corrective actions to assure compliance to all quality assurance food safety requirements on a regular and daily basis.
• Maintaining an attitude of continuous process improvement and training of employees at hourly and salary levels
• Provides technical expertise to the Manufacturing Operations regarding product quality, food safety, and good manufacturing practices.
• Plan, actively engage, communicate and provide direction with respect to Quality Assurance/Food Safety and related activities in all programs such as Sanitation, BRC, Employee Relations, Health and Safety Programs etc.
• Developing a constructive work environment through excellent interpersonal, team building skills, open communications, encouraging input and constructive performance management.
• Support and execute the Company's Food Safety programs at the facility in conjunction with Operations, Maintenance, Sanitation and all other plant functional areas.
• Support and promote the company's health and safety program, maintain a safe working environment and ensure continued compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and JHSC recommendations
• Required to move between shifts/departments for vacation support

What You'll Bring:

• Post secondary education, B.Sc. in Chemistry or Microbiology would be an asset.
• Supervisory experience 3+ years in FSQA within a food manufacturing environment, preferably in a unionized setting.
• Experience in basic food chemistry, basic microbiology, allergen controls, auditing, GFSI/BRC, sanitary design and HACCP principles.
• Ability to manage and build a team independently.
• Demonstrated ability to forge partnerships with multiple cross-functional areas, (i.e. Operations, Maintenance, Sanitation) to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Knowledge of industry related quality systems and inspection programs.
• Proven leadership abilities.
• Detail and results oriented.
• Very strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to communicate (i.e. read, speak and write) in English.
• Proficient in MS Office tools (Excel and Word).

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, 'speaker series' events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
• Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
• Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.