QA Lab and Regulatory Manager

at  Costco Wholesale

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Manages operations for the Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory for testing warehouse private label products and other
merchandise for safety and quality. Exams samples for acceptability, perform a variety of routine and non-routine, moderately
complex test procedures, interpret results, and resolve procedural, technical and/or instrumentation problems. Writes reports for
merchandise buyers and senior management on merchandise specifications, test results, and safety. Leads communication with
Regulatory authorities for Canadian food and product safety investigations and reporting. Assists the food safety/product safety
department with various projects and administrative duties. Assists and works at the 500 Ottawa Home office and 550 Regional
Office.

QUALIFICATIONS (COSTCO-SPECIFIC OR INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT CANDIDATES MUST POSSESS)

 Education/Training: Science degree or diploma required
(food science or microbiology preferred).
 Permits/Licenses/Certifications: Driver’s License required.
Costco Food Safety Certification – Level 2 required within 3 months of employment.
 Experience: Recent and relevant laboratory experience, required.
Quality Assurance experience, preferred.
Canadian Regulatory experience, preferred. (CFIA, SFC, HC, etc.)
Management experience, is preferred.
 Knowledge/Skills: Bilingual in French and English is required
Proficient in Excel, Word and the ability to learn other software (candidates may be tested).
Proven proficiency in both written and verbal communication, is required.
Strong communication skills, is required.
Ability to prioritize and work under pressure.
Ability to interact professionally with government officials and with all levels of
management.
Confident with strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Team player with excellent organizational, planning and time management skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
 Other: Some travel may be required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $95,500.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you have a Science degree or diploma?

(food science or microbiology preferred).

• Do you have a driver’s License
• Do you have recent and relevant laboratory experience,
• Are you bilingual in French and English, Proven proficiency in both written and verbal communication, and have strong communication skills,

Work Location: In perso

 Performs routine product testing at Buyer’s request for food, sundries, food service and other warehouse products in on-
site laboratory according to QA Product Testing Guidelines.
 Tests product sent from multiple warehouses on preset schedule for quality control of product. Sorts, counts, weighs,
measures, evaluates product for appearance, feel, smell, and taste. Analyzes product composition and characteristics,
and performs microbiology and other quality and statistical testing of food and sundry products using various lab
equipment, measuring devices, chemical reaction, and sensory input.
 Develops product specifications and laboratory protocols for KS food items.
 Assists with KS Labeling review and communicates with 3rd party approvals.
 Reviews and releases reports to various buyers. Assists in designing, building, and delivering training to QA Lab
employees.
 Manage lab data management system (Labvantage) and update testing protocol, parameter etc for all departments.
 Communicates with warehouse and operations staff, buyers, vendors and management by e-mail, phone and in person.
 Learns and maintains up-to-date knowledge of QA testing methods and regulation (provincial and national) by reading
trade publications, attending training classes and conferences, and visiting vendors’ facilities.
 Communicates with the US team on a regular basis.
 Plans and monitors resources needed to operate the laboratory; maintains supply inventory. Maintains and calibrates
laboratory equipment as needed.
 Familiar with CFIA regulations and investigative reporting, SFC Regulations and Health Canada reporting
 Regularly update the Costco buying team on new and upcoming regulatory procedures
 Develop and expand the QA Lab programs for the benefit of Costco and their vendors
 Assist with other areas of the department when needed
 Provides Recall support on a rotating basis.