Quality Manager

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese and Hewitt’s Dairy. Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta. Delivering high quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America’s first Smooth Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese, an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors. Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

Status : Full-time

Location : Hamilton

Reporting to : Director QA & Regulatory Affairs

Purpose : Key Accountabilities :

• Assist and support Quality, Operations and other departments in development and maintenance of Food Safety and Quality Systems.
• Provide guidance, explanation, and direction for scheduled and unscheduled reviews of the Food Safety System (including Preventive Control Plans, HACCP Plans and Pre-requisite Programs).
• Ensure on-going compliance with provincial and federal regulations and programs.
• Assist the plant in preparing and concluding customer, governmental and third-party audits, by inspecting facilities, conducting preparation, opening, and closing meetings, and communicating results.
• Quality lead during Food Safety and Quality audits conducted by customers, governmental agencies or third parties.
• Provide guidance and direction to plant and QC personnel in developing corrective action plans.
• Implements and drives compliance with all aspects of the Quality Systems and Food Safety Systems.
• Conducts yearly internal audits for Food Safety and Quality, communicates the results with plant management.
• In cooperation with the QC Supervisor, provide training to all levels of plant personnel and corporate / executive personnel as required in all matters relating to Food Safety and Quality Systems.
• Maintain corporate policies relating to Food Safety and Quality.
• Review and effect changes in the structure of the Food Safety and Quality Systems at the plant when corporate policies change or external / internal demand requires it (e.g., regulation changes, customer expectations change).
• Liaise with customers in matters relating to Food Safety and Quality.
• Provide all necessary information for surveys, requests and questions from internal and external customers directed to the QA department, in a courteous and professional manner.
• 5% travel required within Canada.

Qualifications & Competencies :

• Bachelor’s in food science, or a related discipline such as Microbiology, Chemistry, and Biotechnology.
• SQF Practitioner certificate.
• Formal HACCP training from a recognized training facility.
• A minimum of 3 years in a Quality Management or Middle Management position in a Quality Control or testing environment is required.
• Food experience highly preferred.
• Strong recognized communication (listening, verbal, written) - Effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
• Strong demonstrated analytical skills - Ability to identify, scrutinize, improve, and streamline complex work processes.
• Flexible, adaptable, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team.
• Excellent planning, organizing, decision making and problem-solving skills, with an ability to find solutions using creativity, reason, and experience along with the available resources, and generate alternatives.
• Must possess valid Ontario G or G2 driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

COVID-19 Considerations : Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place at all facilities. For safety, all employees and visitors will continue to be required to wear a company-provided mask in all manufacturing and distribution areas at Gay Lea Foods.

Gay Lea Foods is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process. Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods. Wishing you all the best with your career search!