Quality Continuous Improvement Technician

ViziRecruiter,LLC.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wonderbrands, a leading Canadian bakery, seeks a Quality Continuous Improvement Technician to drive quality initiatives. The role emphasizes compliance with food safety regulations, data analysis, and collaboration across teams to ensure product excellence. A degree in a related field and relevant experience are required, along with a passion for continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Health and Dental Benefits

Pension plan with matching contributions

Yearly incentive program

Discount program for various services

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in quality assurance roles in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (CFIA, USDA).
• Certification in Six Sigma, Green Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality checks on raw materials and finished goods.
• Collaborate with continuous improvement engineers for root cause analysis.
• Participate in audit preparation and compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Quality Management

Tools

iQMS

Cereboro

Job description

Introduction

Working at Wonderbrands, there is never a dull moment! As a successful company that is continually growing there is always challenging yet rewarding work to be a part of.We have an “entrepreneurial” mindset which encourages all our team members to use their own “creativity” and “out of the box” thinking to come up with solutions and new ideas.

Overview

TheQuality Continuous Improvement Technician (QCI Tech)plays a crucial role in driving daily quality improvement initiatives at Wonderbrands bakeries. This position is responsible for conducting thorough quality checks, documenting deviations using iQMS and Cereboro, and working with the Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineering team to perform root cause analyses. By ensuring all issues are properly diagnosed and assigned to the appropriate functional areas, the QCI Tech helps maintain and enhance product quality.

QCI Techs also champion product quality improvements by actively participating in Quality Huddles as part of the VQS process, ensuring that detailed product information is available for evaluation. They utilize Six Sigma methodologies for data gathering and analysis to identify effective improvement solutions and collaborate with R&D, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to support issue resolution.

Beyond addressing quality concerns, QCI Techs play a key role in sustaining improvements by monitoring product quality, collecting data, reporting deviations, and supporting the implementation of quality programs and continuous improvement initiatives. This role emphasizes the use of technology and data analytics to enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additionally, QCI Techs support the Bakery Quality Manager (BQM) in ensuring adherence to all Quality Assurance programs, including HACCP, and actively participate in preparing for BRC audits, further strengthening the bakery’s commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance.

Shift Schedule - 3 afternoons: 2:00pm-10:30pm and 2 nights: 10:00pm-6:30am

What Wonderbrands Offers:

• Wonderbrands believes in Home Grown Talent and accelerated career growth
• Competitive Compensation, Health, and Dental Benefits
• Pension plan with matching contribution
• Yearly incentive program
• Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping, etc.

Responsibilities

Product Quality & Process Monitoring

• Actively contribute toproduct quality improvementsby collaborating with bakery teams.
• Monitorproduction processes and parametersto ensure compliance with recipes and ingredient specifications.
• Performroutine quality inspectionson raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Verifypackaged productsmeet quality standards.
• Work withContinuous Improvement (CI) Engineersto conductroot cause analysisand implement corrective actions.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintainaccurate recordsof quality checks, test results, and deviations using tools likeiQMS.
• Ensure compliance withfood safety regulations(CFIA, FDA, USDA, SQF, BRC, GFSI) and internal policies.
• Document allQuality Assurance (QA) processesand maintain necessary records.
• Assist inaudit preparation and execution(internal, third-party, regulatory).

Quality Huddles & Continuous Improvement

• Actively participate indaily Quality Huddles, collecting and analyzing relevant samples.
• Collaborate withproduction teamsto identify and resolve quality deviations.
• Support and implementcontinuous improvement initiativesto enhance product quality and efficiency.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Verify thatsanitation proceduresare followed to maintain a hygienic production environment.
• Conductenvironmental monitoring and swab testingto ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Enforceallergen control and cross-contamination prevention measures.

Training & Team Collaboration

• Educateproduction staffonGood Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)and quality standards.
• Work closely withR&D, Engineering, and Operations teamsto supportnew product developmentandprocess improvements.

Investigation & Reporting

• Conductroot cause analysison quality defects and customer complaints.
• Implementcorrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)to prevent recurring issues.
• Generate and presentquality reportsto management.

Labeling, Packaging & Product Testing

• Ensureaccurate labeling, coding, and packagingin compliance with regulations.
• Verifyallergen declarations, ingredient lists, and nutritional informationfor accuracy.
• Conductshelf-life evaluationsto assess product stability and monitorpackaging integrityto prevent contamination.

Learning & Skill Development

• Gain expertise inSix Sigma methodologyas it applies to quality improvement.
• Obtain aGreen Belt in Six Sigmawithin one year of starting theQCI Tech position.
• Act as aSix Sigma champion, sharing knowledge and promoting best practices within the bakery team.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Associate or Bachelor’s degreeinFood Science, Engineering, Quality Management,or a related field.
• 2+ years of experienceinquality assurance, continuous improvement,or a related role in afood manufacturing environment.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strongproblem-solving skillsandlogical thinkingto conductroot cause analysiseffectively.
• Ability toanalyze production dataand generate actionable insights.
• Knowledge offood safety regulations, HACCP principles,andindustry best practices(preferred).
• Experience withquality management software, data analytics tools,andautomation systems(a plus).
• Familiarity withLean Manufacturing, Six Sigma,andContinuous Improvement (CI) methodologies(preferred).

Soft Skills & Work Ethic

• Stronganalytical, organizational,andproblem-solvingabilities.
• Excellentcommunication and collaborationskills to work effectively across teams.
• Ability tothrive in a fast-paced environmentwith a focus oncontinuous improvement and innovation.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer and Product Centricity -Responds to the needs of both internal and external customers in a timely and courteous manner, showing a sense of urgency; always keeping our products front and centre.
• Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability -Adapts to changes; changes strategy in response to new information; responds appropriately and quickly without having all parameters defined; demonstrate tolerance for speed and uncertainty.
• Teamwork and Collaboration -Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods of communication to gain agreement or acceptance of a plan or activity. Is effective in building constructive relationships; uses tact; interacts with others in an open, friendly manner, encourages collaboration.
• Relentless obsession with continuous improvement– Always looks for ways to improve effectiveness or efficiency, making recommendation to increase productivity in quality of work; develops innovative solutions, challenges the status quo. To be the best, never compromising.
• Drives Execution- Takes risks, learn from their mistakes, builds trust and is a role model to others. Has a “hands-on” style; is aggressive in achieving desired results.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Energizes and Mobilizes Team Members.
• Team Member Selection –Takes ownership for selecting the right talent for the right role.
• Team Member Development –Continually develops and upgrades team members; coaching and sharing knowledge and experience, uses appropriate style and methods in enabling team to be successful.
• Team Member Engagement –Creates an environment where people enjoy working hard towards achieving mission, including creating an environment of fun and celebration while delivering results.
• Performance and Development Feedback –Communicates clear performance expectations, providing feedback in a straightforward and timely manner.
• Empowerment –Delegates effectively, providing support and opportunities for growth through empowering others.
• Change Management –Communicates change positively and seeks to enable change. Generates excitement to inspire others. Always communicating in an open manner.
• Consensus Building –Is effective at consensus building, always doing what is right for the business. Adheres to our mindset of no politics.

What is the recipe for a great career at Wonderbrands
Wonderbrands, is a leading Canadian bakery with 140 years of experience in baking packaged breads. We are the makers of Wonder Bread, Country Harvest, D’Italiano, Gadoua, and Casa Mendosa. We have a network of 14 Bakery Manufacturing facilities across Canada.

Wonderbrands, now part of the FGF Brands Group of companies, is unlocking an incredible opportunity for growth through a focus on production innovation capabilities, through a leading-edge supply chain practice and investing deeply in communities where we bake.We are heavily focused on embracing an entrepreneurial drive and a highly collaborative start up culture with an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

Disclaimer:The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added or this description may be amended at any time.