Quality Assurance (Unionized)

Elte Carpets Limited; Central Ontario; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Elte Carpets Limited is seeking a Quality Assurance specialist to perform real-time inspections on the packline, identify defects, and remove nonconforming items to safeguard product quality and food safety.

You will document results, monitor GMP/Food Safety practices, calibrate equipment like pressure testers and refractometers, and collaborate with production leads to drive improvements in a fast-paced setting, aligning with our Humble, Driven, and Solutions-Oriented culture.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of QA processes and defect identification techniques.
• Ability to correlate quality observations with root causes and implement solutions.
• Experience maintaining accurate inspection and defect records.

Responsibilities

• Inspect apples, materials, and products during all stages of processing to ensure they meet company quality standards.
• Record quality inspection results and flag defects or issues that may arise.
• Remove defective or substandard products immediately to prevent defective items from leaving the facility.
• Collaborate with Packline Production Lead, Booth Operators, Warehouse Operations, and Maintenance teams to resolve quality issues promptly.
• Support training and coaching initiatives to ensure staff meet quality standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement for QA processes.
• Monitor adherence to food safety standards and wear required PPE.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment.

Skills

Quality Assurance processes

Defect identification

Root cause analysis

Data entry

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary:

The Quality Assurance team ensures that all products meet company quality standards by conducting real-time inspections on the packline. This role involves identifying and removing defective items to maintain high product quality while adhering to food safety protocols and customer specifications. The Quality Assurance team will also document quality results, monitor food safety practices, maintain GMP/Food Safety supplies, and use specialized equipment such as pressure testers and refractometers for quality assessments. The successful candidate will be a team player, driven, and solutions-oriented to uphold a strong food safety culture in a fast-paced environment. This role requires an individual who exemplifies the company values of humble, driven, and solutions-oriented.

Humble

Employees that are team players and are respectful of others and the job at hand. Great team players lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Humble employees are quick to point out contributions of others and slow to seek attention of their own.

Driven

Employees who are motivated and focused on self improvement. Driven or hungry employees are always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. They never have to be pushed by a manager to work harder because they are self-motivated and diligent.

Solutions Oriented

Employees who focus on solving, and preventing problems from occurring, not just identifying them. This is equal parts of problems with systems and processes and the common sense that an employee has about people. They are aware, act appropriately, ask good questions, and listen to understand.

Role and Accountability:

• Inspect apples, materials, and products during all stages of processing to ensure they meet company quality standards.
• Record quality inspection results and flag defects or issues that may arise.
• Remove defective or substandard products immediately to prevent defective items from leaving the facility
• Collaborate with Packline Production Lead, Booth Operators, Warehouse Operations, and Maintenance teams to resolve quality issues promptly.
• Support training and coaching initiatives to ensure all staff understand and meet quality standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts for quality assurance processes, identifying areas for enhancement.
• Monitor adherence to food safety standards, including wearing required safety shoes, hairnets, company jackets, and avoiding jewelry/piercings.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment.
• Refill and manage GMP/Food Safety supplies throughout the packline as needed.
• With training, calibrate and operate quality equipment, such as pressure testers and refractometers, recording entries as necessary.
• Participate in proactive cleaning, organizing, and maintaining tools and equipment to ensure a tour-ready environment.
• Accurately document weights, measures, and quality results in various areas of the line using computers, iPads, and PDF forms.
• Report recurring quality issues to the Incoming and Outgoing QA Specialist for further investigation and corrective action.
• Follow safety protocols to ensure personal safety and compliance with company standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management, remaining flexible to changing production demands.
• Collaborate with QA team and production leads to resolve quality-related concerns quickly.
• Perform routine checks to ensure production aligns with company quality expectations.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety practices and sanitation procedures.
• Assist in identifying and developing corrective actions for recurring quality issues.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, including quality inspection records.
• Execute daily responsibilities to meet departmental goals while adhering to company values (Humble, Driven, Solutions-Oriented).
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve processes within the scope of the role.
• Attend relevant department and company-wide meetings, including Level 10 meetings, contributing to organizational alignment and effectiveness.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to address challenges, develop solutions, and align strategies with company goals.
• Utilize Microsoft To-Do (or similar) for task tracking and reminders, ensuring productivity and accountability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Quality Assurance processes, grading standards, and defect identification techniques.
• Ability to correlate quality observations with root causes and implement solutions to improve quality.
• Assist in identifying recurring issues and contributing to corrective actions.
• Ability to maintain accurate inspection and defect records.
• Exceptional ability to identify small defects or inconsistencies in product quality.
• Ability to report quality issues and collaborate with packline management and staff.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in Quality Assurance or inspection, particularly in a food production environment, preferred.
• Strong understanding of grading and sorting fruit, with a clear knowledge of grading standards.

Additional Information:

• The role requires the flexibility to work any shift necessary, including days, afternoons, weekends, and statutory holidays.
• The successful candidate must be punctual, maintain consistent attendance, and contribute positively to the team environment.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs, stand for long periods, and work in varying climates.
• Ability to use a pallet jack for weighing/moving products during quality checks.
• Ability to complete accurate data entry using tablets and computers

Work Schedule:

• The successful candidate will be required to work any shift necessary to meet the operational needs of the business. This may include days, afternoons, weekends, statutory holidays, and Sunday-Saturday.

In accordance with the Ontario Human rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The Company is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require any type of accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note that this job posting is for an existing vacancy.