Job SummaryThe incumbent will manage the QA team in ensuring that products meet the highest quality standards. The job owner will work closely with internal and external cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvements and ensure that products are delivered on time and within specifications.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience in quality assurance management, a strong understanding of industry standards, and leadership skills to guide a team in achieving excellence.
Objectives of this role- Ensure Product Safety and Compliance: Guarantee that all beverages meet regulatory standards (e.g., CFIA, FDA, HACCP, BRC, CBWA, ISO 22000) for food safety, hygiene, and labeling to protect consumers and avoid legal issues.
- Maintain Consistent Product Quality: Establish and monitor quality systems to ensure every product batch consistently meets specifications.
- Implement and Improve QA Systems: Design, document, and continually improve quality assurance policies and SOPs, including traceability, audits, testing protocols, and corrective action procedures.
- Lead Quality Training and Culture: Train quality, production and operations teams on quality standards and best practices, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the company.
General tasks- Develop and enforce quality standards and procedures
- Monitor, analyze, and report key quality metrics to track product performance and identify areas for improvement periodically.
- Work closely with production, product development, maintenance, and warehouse teams to ensure that quality standards are integrated into the product lifecycle.
- Overseeing the planning and execution of internal and third-party audits, inspections, and tests to evaluate product quality and quality systems.
- Liaise with internal and external customers (Co-pack) to drive product and process improvements and increase efficiency
- Conduct root cause analysis of non-conformances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Provide leadership, training, and development opportunities to QA and Operations staff to enhance team skills and performance and build a result-driven environment.
- Oversee and coordinate the daily operations of the QA department, ensuring all activities align with business goals and customer requirements.
- Monitor testing progress, defect trends, and product performance, providing status updates to senior management.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, industry best practices, and company policies regarding quality assurance processes.
- Conduct periodic team performance reviews, offer constructive feedback, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead and coordinate Food Safety initiatives through the plant HACCP and Food Safety teams.
- Other duties as may be required.
Required skills and qualifications- A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 6 years quality assurance (QA) experience in the food industry. At least the last 2 of those years must be in a QA Manager, QA Lead, or similar role.
- Proven experience managing QA teams, including training, performance management, and team development.
- In-depth knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
- A background in aseptic (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverage packaging.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements such as CRA, FDA, CFIA
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to various stakeholders.
Added Advantage- Relevant certification in Quality Management.
- Experience in using statistical analysis and quality control tools.
- Co-packing experience
Role Backup- Primary: Quality Coordinator
- Secondary: Director, Quality Assurance
