Director of Quality Assurance

Chapman’s; Markdale; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman's, a leader in the food industry, is seeking a Quality Assurance Director to lead strategic quality initiatives. This role involves supervising QA staff, improving food safety protocols, and ensuring product quality within a dynamic work environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality assurance and project management, and play a critical role in maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Opportunity for growth

Excellent benefits and performance bonuses

Robust pension plan

Active social committee and employee assistance programs

Group insurance including home and auto

Provided uniforms and boots

Job stability with no layoffs

Subsidized lunches and free ice cream

Passionate and dedicated work environment

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience or 10 years with a Master's.
• Direct technical experience in the Food Industry (R&D, QA/QC, product development).
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Quality team to reduce Food Safety issues and ensure high-quality products.
• Supervise and mentor QA staff, including staffing recommendations.
• Monitor production processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

University degree or diploma in a related field

Master's degree

Job description

Department : Quality Assurance

Reports To : Senior Management

Job Summary

• The Quality Assurance Director is responsible for the long-term strategic planning of the Quality department, including programs and procedures within the lab and production environment.
• Evaluates, prioritizes, and coordinates projects and special assignments with department staff.
• Responsible for continuous improvement and a proactive approach to food safety, product quality, new technologies, ingredients, and regulatory trends.
• Maintains the requirements of all Food Safety and Quality programs (including BRC) regarding new initiatives, regulations, corrective actions, training programs, and other standards.
• Acts as backup to QA Manager in their absence.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Lead the Quality team in developing programs to reduce Food Safety issues and ensure high-quality products. Maintain testing standards, GMPs, quality protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor QA staff to ensure effective workflow organization. Responsibilities include staffing recommendations, hiring, termination, discipline, setting performance expectations, evaluating staff, and staff development.
• Respond to consumer and customer inquiries as needed. Oversee trending, corrective actions, and interactions with governmental agencies.
• Refine policies and procedures, incorporating best practices from external networking.
• Assist with technical troubleshooting and investigations related to production issues impacting Food Safety or Product Quality.
• Stay informed about technical, legislative, industry developments and provide technical assessments and recommendations to management.
• Monitor ongoing production and processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and customer technical, sales, and marketing teams to ensure clear communication and quick response times.
• Act as backup to QA Manager regarding HACCP responsibilities.
• Network and collaborate with vendors, colleges, universities, and other external sources for information exchange, project collaboration, and resource sharing.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• University degree or diploma in a related field with 15+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree (Master's) with 10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially with Private Label customers.
• Direct technical experience in the Food Industry (R&D, QA/QC, product development).
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, food safety, and regulatory affairs.

Working Conditions

Work is required in office and plant environments locally, as well as at vendor or customer facilities. Occasional travel is expected.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages
• Opportunity for growth
• Excellent benefits and performance bonuses
• Robust pension plan
• Active social committee and employee assistance programs
• Group insurance including home and auto
• Provided uniforms and boots
• Work in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
• Job stability with no layoffs
• Subsidized lunches and free ice cream
• Passionate and dedicated work environment

Disclaimer

This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be asked to perform additional duties as needed.