QC Technician - Raw Product

Ya Ya Foods; Toronto; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Ya YA Foods is seeking a Quality Control Compliance Leader - Raw Product to support batch operations and ensure regulatory and customer requirements are met. The role emphasizes material screening, documentation, and deviation handling within a GMP environment.

Ideal candidates have 1+ years in food manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication. The position focuses on raw material QA, batching integrity, and adherence to food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in food manufacturing within a GMP environment.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, standards, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical laboratory skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Candidates must provide photo ID, banking details, a valid SIN number, and a work permit if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Batching and Kitting to provide quality control support throughout production.
• Verify raw ingredients prior to batching: item code, lot code, expiry, identity, and documentation.
• Separate allergen and non-allergen materials before batching.
• Perform visual inspection on raw material prior to batching as per plan and specs.
• Monitor batching to ensure batch sheets and procedures are followed.
• Verify ingredient additions and batch sheet accuracy per approved specs and SOPs.
• Monitor incoming bulk ingredients and in‑process batches; escalate deviations to QC Compliance Leader - Raw Product.
• Perform analytical inspections on raw batches and release when compliant.
• Initiate deviations for raw batches not processed per requirements.
• Conduct swabbing, CIP trend verification, visual checks and pre‑operational inspections for hygiene and readiness.
• Perform rinse pH checks between batches and monitor drain valve during rinse.
• Ensure samples, equipment, chemicals are handled, stored, disposed of properly to prevent contamination.
• Review CCPs and OPRPs relevant to raw and batching operations.
• Document inspection results, test data and non‑conformances in QA systems; generate quality notifications as needed.
• Ensure goods comply with company standards and laws; coordinate calibration and maintenance with Engineering/Procurement.
• Identify areas for improvement in raw material and batching processes.
• Prepare and review shipments of products to sterilization.
• Audit quality requirements per QA policies and specifications; follow health and safety rules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Post-secondary education in Food Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or life science field

Job description

Ya YA Foods is a dynamic and high-growth manufacturer of liquid food and unique beverages. With over 30 years’ experience, we have evolved into a versatile manufacturer and co-packer of a variety of low acid and high acid beverage and liquid food items. We are a family-owned Canadian business who prides itself in its proven track record of satisfying the needs of global multi-national customers. We are a solution provider for our customers, always striving to exceed expectations on innovation, quality, service, and speed to market. For further information about us, please check our website at yayafoods.com

A career at Ya YA FOODS will offer you the opportunity to…

• Build a career, not just have a job
• Work in a dynamic and high-growth company with very skilled professionals
• Become part of a teamwork focused culture
• Be a part of an organization that supports your future growth path

Reports to: Quality Control Compliance Leader- Raw Product

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Batching and Kitting departments to provide quality control support, ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer, and company requirements throughout the production process.
• Verify raw ingredients prior to batching including item Code, lot Code, expiry Date, identity, and documentation.
• Separate allergen and non-allergen materials as per procedures prior to batching.
• Perform accurate visual inspection on raw material as per inspection plan and specification requirements prior to batching.
• Monitor batching activities to ensure batch sheets and procedures are followed accurately.
• Verify ingredient additions and batch sheet accuracy, ensuring formulations are prepared according to approved specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Monitor the quality of incoming bulk raw ingredients and in-process batches, promptly identifying, documenting, and escalating any deviations to the QC Compliance Leader - Raw Product.
• Perform analytical inspections on raw batches in accordance with product specifications and release them for processing when all requirements are met
• Initiate and document deviations for raw batches that are not processed in accordance with established requirements.
• Conduct swabbing, Clean-in-Place (CIP) electronic trend verification, visual checks, and pre-operational inspections to ensure raw equipment and production areas meet hygiene, sanitation, and operational readiness requirements.
• Perform rinse sample pH checks between batches and monitor the drain valve while draining rinse water.
• Ensure samples, equipment, testing materials, and chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of appropriately to prevent contamination and maintain food safety standards.
• Review and monitor applicable CCPs and OPRPs relevant to raw and batching operations.
• Accurately document inspection results, test data, quality observations, and non-conformances in company databases and quality management systems, generating quality notifications when required.
• Ensure goods and products comply with company standards and federal and provincial laws.
• Maintain, coordinate, and control equipment requiring calibration and preventive maintenance with the Manufacturing Engineering and Procurement teams.
• Identify possible areas for improvement in raw material and batching processes.
• Prepare and review shipments of products to sterilization.
• Audit and monitor quality requirements related to raw material and batching in accordance with the company quality assurance policies and specifications.
• Compliance with all rules & policies regarding health safety, occupational safety, environmental safety, food safety, legal regulations, company requirements, etc.
• Compliance with the Company's Integrated Management Systems which includes, but is not limited to Production, Quality, Food Safety & GMP.
• Other duties as assigned.

Profile

• Post-secondary education in Food Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or life science related field
• 1+ years of experience in food manufacturing within a GMP environment required
• Knowledge of food safety related legislation, standards, and regulations
• Excellent analytical laboratory skills.
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Strong analytical skills and balanced decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Ability to evaluate production data (i.e. variances, efficiencies)
• NB: Successful candidates will be required to provide photo ID, banking details, a valid SIN number, and (if applicable) a valid work permit

Why Join Us

We believe that the key to creating and growing a successful business is by investing in our people—some of whom have been a part of our team for over 30-years. This is at the core of who we are, what we do, and how we grow our business—as a versatile, automated manufacturer and co-packer of a wide-variety of beverages and liquid food items. In our view, a happy team means a better workforce, a better product, and more satisfied customers.

Furthermore, we encourage different perspectives and celebrate diversity in our workforce. Where every employee has the opportunity to realize his or her full potential in a working environment that is supportive of everyone. Upon request, we will gladly provide accommodations to any candidate with a disability taking part in the selection process.