Concord Confections, the manufacturer of Dubble Bubble gum and other fine candy products, is seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor. This role is critical to maintaining and enhancing food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality. The QA Supervisor leads the QA Technician team, ensures alignment with Canadian and international food safety standards (FSMA, SFCR, HACCP, GMP, SQF), and fosters a strong quality-focused culture.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide leadership and mentorship to QA Technicians across all shifts, ensuring QA tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. Manage performance, training, attendance, and policy compliance. Fill in for QA Technicians during absences, across different shifts.
- Lead and support internal and external audits (SQF, CFIA, FDA, Kosher), including preparation, execution, and corrective action implementation; Be able to independently support SQF audits, acting as an SQF Practitioner.
- Deliver training on Food Safety and Quality Management in alignment with regulatory requirements, GFSI standards, and corporate policies.
- Conduct inspections, physical testing, product sampling, process audits, and food safety verification and validation activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
- Capable of creating, reviewing, and revising QA procedures. Maintain and update accurate QA documentation, including Food Safety Plans (HACCP, FSMA, SFCR, SQF), validated CCPs, hazard analyses, preventive controls, and prerequisite programs (e.g., allergen control, sanitation, environmental monitoring, traceability, recall), as well as SOPs, QA forms, trends, reports, and product specifications.
- Support continuous improvement by identifying and addressing program gaps, production losses, and equipment calibration issues (e.g., scales, metal detectors).
- Monitor compliance with HACCP, GMP, SOPs, and internal quality procedures; lead investigations into non-conformities and customer complaints using CAPA methodology; and manage records control.
- Measure and validate Key Process Indicators (KPIs) and apply critical quality checks (e.g., label review, weight verification, metal detection) to achieve first-pass quality targets.
- Ensure full transparency by promptly reporting non-conformities to the QA Manager and serving as their backup to maintain continuity in food safety and quality operations during absences.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Scheduling) to resolve quality and food safety concerns and drive alignment across departments.
· Oversee supplier qualification by managing document collection (e.g., GFSI certificates, allergen statements, specifications, Certificate of Analysis), assessing supplier performance, addressing non-conformances, and maintaining an audit-ready database in compliance with SQF and regulatory standards.
· Provide support to QA and other departments, including evenings and weekends when needed.
· Provide customer support by responding to quality-related inquiries and supplying requested documentation.
· Manage expired and on-hold inventory across warehouses, including evaluation and authorization for disposal.
· Be cross-trained in Packaging QA to provide support, as needed.
· Be trained and serve as a back-up to QA/R&D Manager.
· Manage, track and control spend in the department.
· Analyze quality and R&D/trials data to support technical decisions and lead improvements in processes, analysis, and reporting systems.
· Perform risk assessments and track progress against strategic goals, adjusting plans as necessary to maintain quality performance.
· Be trained and able to work at any of the 2 Concord sites based on company needs.
· Be engaged in R&D/product and package development tasks, including trials in processing and packaging, sampling, testing, data collection and reporting.
· Lead and/or support projects and tasks at both Concord Confections sites, within and outside QA Department.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATION
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s degree is an asset).
- Experience: 3–5 years in food manufacturing QA, including 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role. Internal auditing experience preferred.
- Certifications: HACCP and SQF certifications required; Certified Quality Auditor preferred.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, SFCR, SQF, and familiarity with FDA/CFIA regulations and third-party certifications (Kosher, Gluten-Free, Organic).
- Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills. Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Technical: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft excel. Ability to analyze data in excel, use chart. Experience with QA systems (e.g., Genesis R&D, Laserfiche) is a plus.
- Other: Valid driver’s license. Ability to commute between the plants. Able to lift/move materials and work flexible hours as needed.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
