POSITION OVERVIEW

The QA Specialist will provide critical support to the site Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs during the maternity leave of the QA Manager. This position will be responsible for maintaining day-to-day compliance with HACCP, BRCGS, SFCR, and company food safety standards. The QA Specialist will work closely with site leadership, production, sanitation, and National Food safety, Regulatory and Compliance Manager to ensure program requirements are executed effectively and facility certifications remain in good standing.

This is a hands-on role focused on program execution, documentation review, and frontline compliance monitoring, rather than program design or strategic decision-making.

RESPONSIBILITIES

HACCP / BRCGS Program Execution

• Conduct daily and monthly review of HACCP, BRCGS, and prerequisite program records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Verify monitoring activities and corrective actions are documented appropriately; escalate major deviations to the Director of Food Safety.
• Support maintenance and implementation of HACCP and BRCGS documentation, including updating checklists, SOPs, forms, and records as directed by corporate FSQA.
• Participate in internal audits, pre-operational inspections, and regulatory/customer inspections as required.
• Support annual program reviews and management meetings by preparing records and compiling data.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational ability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under strict deadlines
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Proactive problem solving and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

Training & Communication

• Support delivery of food safety and HACCP training for new and existing employees in collaboration with HR and operations.
• Educate plant employees on program requirements and ensure compliance with HACCP/BRCGS protocols on the floor.
• Communicate updates to procedures and policies effectively to relevant teams.

Quality Assurance Operations

• Monitor sanitation and pest control records; identify deviations and follow up with relevant departments to ensure timely corrective actions.
• Conduct routine GMP, hygiene, and environmental checks across the facility.
• Assist in product traceability exercises and mock recalls.
• Review incoming consumer complaints, gather investigation data, and support responses under the direction of corporate QA.

Regulatory & Certification Compliance

• Support CFIA inspections, third-party audits, and customer audits by ensuring records are complete and available.
• Assist in implementing corrective action plans following inspections and audits.
• Maintain awareness of changes in regulatory requirements and support implementation as directed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Must be able to read, write, and speak English and basic math skills. Grade 12 education preferred.

• Minimum 2-3 years of quality assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment.

• Previous experience and certification in GFSI and HACCP programs.

• Ability to adapt to change and open to learning new ways to get things done more efficiently and effectively.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook) and internet applications.

• Professional manner, polite and diplomatic.

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with others.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The incumbent will be working in a proprietary environment. Policies and procedures are shared between Golden Valley Foods Ltd. and the L.H. Gray & Son group of companies. Discussion of these with non-Golden Valley Foods and L.H. Gray affiliated employees is strictly forbidden. Some specific policies can be shared with Fresh Start as Golden Valley Foods owners.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL

• Work in compliance with divisional and legislative health, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods.
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts.
• Report defect in any equipment or protective device.
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for the assigned tasks.
• Participate in all required health, safety, and environmental training.
• Report any accidents/incidents to supervisor.
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents.
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct.
• Report workplace hazards to a leader or the health and safety committee.

L.H. Gray & Son welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.