Food QA Scientist / Microbiologist

Langley, BC

We are a leading organic and natural products company with operations in North America, Europe and India.  We provide consumers with superior food and personal care products for a healthier way of life.

PURPOSE

To assist the Quality Assurance department’s efforts in the continuous improvement of systems and procedures.  This position ensures that all food safety and regulatory requirements are met or exceeded.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Daily monitoring of HACCP requirements and quality standards, including QA floor coverage, and analytical
• Identify, develop, set and ensure internal safety/quality standards and specifications based on desired characteristics as well as regulatory compliance
• Generate, follow up and maintain SOPs, all checklists, QA incidents ’hold’ database, work orders, MSDS, QA/Operation reference notice, permanent change notice, allergen program including planning schedule review, HACCP/FSMA/Food Safety program, hold/release tracking in Adage, monthly trending reports, ingredient/packaging database, equipment calibration
• Develop and conduct training programs (GMP, CCP, receiving, shipping, new project implementation, allergen etc. for all employees
• Execute assigned projects in a cost effective and timely manner. Projects involve implementation of safety/quality requirement, new products launch and continuous improvement process 
• Thermal testing and analysis
• Micro testing on products (projects; code determination; sensory and thermal studies; shelf life testing)
• Support and follow up during internal and external audits (Kosher, CFIA, FDA, SQF, Fraser Health, SAI Global, NGP, GFCO etc.)
• Interact and follow up with chemical and pest control service providers
• Communicate with outside warehouse regarding hold/release procedures
• All employees are responsible for food and safety quality
• All employees are responsible to report food safety and quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action

COMPETENCIES 

• Strong knowledge of HACCP
• Strong technical/common sense skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work a variety of shifts as required (morning, afternoon, graveyard and weekends)
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Quality management, quality tools and problem solving techniques
• Excellent team player as well as individual contributor
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Good computer skills – MS Office Suite, Production Vision, ERP systems
• Organized and focused
• Ability to work under pressure

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelors degree in food science/quality or related science field
• 1-2 years related field experience in a food manufacturing industry
• HACCP Certificate is preferred

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, disability, age, or veteran status.  Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.