Quality Assurance Technician

at  Centennial Food Solutions

Centennial Food Solutions is a leading provider of customized quality center-of-the-plate products in Western Canada. Our goal is simple: to connect our communities through great food and exceptional service. Our reputation as a dependable and flexible partner is why discerning restaurants, retailers, foodservice, and trading companies choose us time and time again. With branches across Western Canada and a vast network of business brands, we are uniquely positioned to bring value to our partners at every turn.
Position Title: Quality Assurance Technician
Location: Calgary, AB, T2B 3M1
Job Type: Full Time Permanent

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager or Designate, the Quality Assurance Technician will be responsible for monitoring GMPs and hygienic practices during production operations, inspecting the plant and equipment, aiding in food safety training, and supporting third-party and regulatory audits.

Qualifications and Skills

• Post-secondary education in food safety, agriculture, microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in food safety quality production.
• Experience in Food Safety/HACCP/Food Quality.
• Basic HACCP courses, GMPs monitoring experience, food facility monitoring experience, sampling and testing experience, meat products development experience, record-keeping, records reviewing, attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to train employees, ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Willingness to work with raw meat products and in a cold environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks requiring lifting, carrying, and moving objects weighing 30+ lbs. safely and effectively.
• Physical fitness and stamina to sustain prolonged periods of activity, repetitive movements, and manual labor.
• Previous work experience is an asset but not required.
• Training will be provided.
• Commitment to safety standards and practices

• Monitor GMPs and hygienic practices during production operations and report non-conformances.
• Inspect the plant and equipment routinely, track deficiencies, and corrective actions.
• Aid in QMP/GMP/HACCP food safety training for production employees.
• Provide initial and ongoing training for production employees.
• Assist and support third-party and regulatory audits.

Perform and document the following monitoring activities to comply with QMP/HACCP/BRC Program:

• Thermometer verification, plant lighting verification, air flow monitoring, blue band-aid test, plant inspection, glass, plastic, and similar materials inspection, finished product label verification, temperature checks, wood inspection, product development, and product specifications.
• Organize sampling and shipping to the lab and other monitoring tasks as assigned by the HACCP Coordinator.
• Coordinate with the Production Manager during new product development trials and organize sample shipments to customers.
• Review and file monitoring records, including collecting records from production areas and the warehouse.
• Supply copies of monitoring forms to each recording station.
• Complete GMP Checklist, allergen monitoring forms, label checks, temperature monitoring, and other monitoring forms as assigned.
• Verify Standard Sanitation Operation Procedures and Pre-op activities biannually or as needed, implement corrective actions, and communicate performance status to the HACCP Coordinator and third-party contractor.
• Perform allergen testing for sanitation validation and report deviations.
• Conduct ice and water sampling, compressed air sampling, air quality testing, and organize samples and paperwork for third-party lab shipping.
• Perform and document shelf-life sensory testing for finished products and report results.
• Organize and file suppliers’ and service providers’ documentation per Supplier Program requirements.
• Complete and file New Product Code Checklists and aid in the development of product specifications.
• Assist in customer complaint investigations and corrective actions.
• Participate in Food Safety/HACCP meetings and recalls/traceability exercises.
• Collect, review, and file all QMP/HACCP/BRC related records, and follow up on completion of records and corrective actions with designated monitors.
• Complete other assigned tasks related to food safety and quality as per company programs.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Post-secondary education in food safety, agriculture, microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in food safety quality production.
• Experience in Food Safety/HACCP/Food Quality.
• Basic HACCP courses, GMPs monitoring experience, food facility monitoring experience, sampling and testing experience, meat products development experience, record-keeping, records reviewing, attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to train employees, ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Willingness to work with raw meat products and in a cold environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks requiring lifting, carrying, and moving objects weighing 30+ lbs. safely and effectively.
• Physical fitness and stamina to sustain prolonged periods of activity, repetitive movements, and manual labor.
• Previous work experience is an asset but not required.
• Training will be provided.
• Commitment to safety standards and practices.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation based on sales performance.
• Comprehensive Health and Dental coverage for you and your family.
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan with company matching contributions.
• Subsidized Company Share Ownership plan.
• Employee Family Assistance Program (support for mental health, financial services, and legal needs).
• Employee pricing on thousands of high-quality foods.
• Career advancement opportunities and training across the company.
• Instant Pay: through pay streaming you can have instant access to earnings without having to wait for payday!
• Belonging to a team that is passionate about food and long-term success.