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.

We are actively seeking a skilled Quality Assurance Technician to join our team in Waterloo, ON

QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for evaluating and assessing that the HACCP and Quality Assurance Programs are properly maintained in compliance with regulatory guidelines though inspection, product quality, process control point, data collection, data entry and reporting of findings to verify compliance or identify a need for corrective action as required for assigned production line/ departments. In addition, the Quality Assurance Technician will provide support to Operations with the objective of meeting food safety requirements efficiently.

Responsibilities:

• Perform daily and non-daily Pre-Operational Inspection and releases production equipment and production rooms to operation following policies and SOP’s and schedules as needed.
• Assist with the development, implementation, maintenance and verification of sanitation manual and pre-operational activities.
• Complete post sanitation swabbing following procedure laid out in SOP for microbiological testing.
• Assist QA coordinator for inventory control of all sanitation supplies including chemicals, filters, equipment, testing supplies and cleaning supplies.
• Perform Operational Inspection as needed.
• Perform Routine, documented Quality Checks. Report deficiencies and non-compliances to team leader and take corrective measures when needed.
• Maintain sanitation of lab equipment.
• Ensure that Raw material and Packaging material is used as per written procedures. Ensure that all employees are adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Place products, equipment and area on hold when needed, as per hold and release program.
• Perform microbiological sampling when necessary, using aseptic sample collection techniques.
• Perform audits of products including batch controls, component weights, finished weights, organoleptic evaluations along with various other checks, and collect samples of raw materials, in process products and finished products as required.
• Attend monthly sanitation meeting.
• Create quality and food safety deviations when programs are not followed and participate in root cause analysis activities to eliminate and prevent recurrence, and follow-up to ensure they are closed out.
• Must be able to move to different shift with adequate notice, as required by schedule.

Qualifications:

• Degree/Diploma in Food Science/Food Technology or related discipline
• 1–2-year experience working in a similar capacity, preferably in a food production facility or a food testing lab.
• Solid understanding of sanitation principles.
• Solid understanding of quality and food safety standards for food production
• Good leadership, interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Good knowledge of Excel, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.
• Particularly good oral and written communication, explanation, interpretation.

Working Conditions:

• Periodic exposure to temperatures noticeably below room temperature (between 5 to 10 °C).
• Periodic exposure to humid and warm environments during preoperational inspection activities.
• Regular exposure to food products and food allergens.
• Regular exposure to stress caused by complex and time sensitive deadlines.
• Approximately 75 % of the shift is spent on the production floor, either standing or walking Periodic exposure to freezer temperatures (-18°C)
• Regular exposure to machine noise (PPE provided by the company)

We Offer:

• Shift Premiums
• Very competitive hourly wage and comprehensive benefits package including RSP
• Bonus Program
• Weekend Shift (Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 hour day shifts)
• Opportunity for career growth
• Positive, safe and encouraging work environment
• Social Committee events

Although we appreciate the interest expressed by all applicants, only those being considered will be contacted.

JD Sweid Foods is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices. Accommodation is available for persons with disabilities during all stages of the employment process.

Experience

Required

• 1 - 2 years: QC/QA Technician

Education

Preferred

• Some college or better in Biochemistry or related field