From our humble beginning in 1917 to being one of the largest privately owned, value-added protein providers in Canada, our commitment to supplying high-quality products has been the core of our success. With a portfolio that includes a full line of poultry, beef and pork products, we service a long list of customers in both retail and food service from our Waterloo, ON and Langley, BC facilities.

QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Supervisor, Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for implementing food safety, quality program and policies effectively, monitoring and ensuring all meat products (beef, poultry, and pork) and processing procedures meet established food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (such as SFCR, HACCP, GMPs, and customer specifications). This role involves hands-on verification, documentation, and communication to uphold the integrity of the food safety system throughout the facility. QA Tech will be responsible for following established food safety and quality procedures.

The successful candidate must be able to work from Monday to Friday, and occasionally Saturdays (On-call basis). Start times range from 03:45 AM to 12:15 PM.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor, verify and document Critical Control Points (CCPs), such as cooking temperatures, metal detection.
• Perform process control tasks, including in-process monitoring and end-product testing. Collaborate with plant operations in troubleshooting to ensure that standards are met.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment (e.g. metal detectors, fat analyzer, etc.).
• Conduct pre-operational inspections to confirm sanitation effectiveness and equipment/facility readiness.
• Perform sampling and inspection on raw materials. Release for use towards production if all food safety and quality requirements are met.
• Perform sensory evaluations by tasting/ingesting meat products for quality control purposes.
• Monitor, audit and train employees on adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMPs), including personal hygiene, proper attire and handwashing.
• Assist with regulatory inspections (e.g. CFIA) and external audits by supporting on-floor inspections and assisting with corrective actions.
• Accurately complete and maintain all required quality and food safety records, logs, and reports. Prepare daily summary reports.
• Identify, report and investigate food safety/quality issues. Assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions. Place non-conforming products on “hold” as required.
• Assist in investigating customer complaints related to product quality or safety, gathering data, and reporting findings.
• Communicate key information to all stakeholders and QA team members.
• Release finished goods and hold non-conforming products through the ERP DEACOM software.
• Other duties as assigned by QA Supervisor.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, FOOD AND WORKPLACE SAFETY:

• Consistently demonstrate Teamwork, Integrity, Performance-Driven, and Solution-Oriented behavior.
• Maintain a respectful, inclusive, and professional work environment in line with our company commitments.
• Collaborate well with colleagues, ensuring clear, professional, and timely communication.
• Adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP principles, and other regulatory requirements. Actively participant assigned safety and compliance training.
• Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance and strict adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Post-secondary education in Food Science or relevant subject is required. Equivalent operational experience at JD Sweid may be accepted in lieu of formal education.
• Previous experience in a QA/ QC role is an asset, preferably in a meat/poultry plant.
• HACCP certification preferred.
• Solid understanding of Operational procedures, Process Control Points (PCPs), and comprehensive QA systems.
• Must be able to accurately conduct sensory evaluations (including taste) on meat (beef, pork and poultry) products.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work in a fast-paced, refrigerated, wet and cold environment involving proximity to machinery and food ingredients.
• Require flexible availability, including some Saturday shifts.
• Require use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

BENEFITS:

• RRSP Match-Up
• Paid time off
• Company events
• Discounted food
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• On-site parking

Education

Preferred

• Some college or better in Biochemistry or related field