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.
Responsibilities
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Training & Team Collaboration
- Educateproduction staffonGood Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)and quality standards.
- Work closely withR&D, Engineering, and Operations teamsto supportnew product developmentandprocess improvements.
6. Investigation & Reporting
- Conductroot cause analysison quality defects and customer complaints.
- Implementcorrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)to prevent recurring issues.
- Generate and presentquality reportsto management.
7. 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.
8. 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’s 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.
FGF Group Competencies:
Adaptive Intelligence -Team Members respond effectively to challenges by evolving their skills, mindset, and approach.
- Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments by embracing continuous change. Quickly adjusts to new priorities and actively seeks innovative solutions. Uses setbacks as opportunities for growth
- and applies a relentless focus on improving outcomes. Approaches challenges with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset and openness to feedback.
- Calculated Risk-Taking: Makes strategic decisions by evaluating options and creating contingency plans.
Collaborative Intelligence -Collaborative intelligence empowers teams to unlock collective strengths and achieve results through synergy and mutual trust.
- Team First and Collaboration: Engages with Team Members and colleagues, builds relationships, and fosters an inclusive, innovative environment.
Entrepreneurial Intelligence -Equips Team Members to identify opportunities, overcome setbacks, and move ideas to execution effectively.
- Continuous Improvement: Drives innovation and optimizes processes to enhance quality and productivity.
- Customer and Product Focus: Addresses need proactively with accountability and a solution-oriented mindset.
- Fierce Execution: Achieves results with a strategic and hands-on approach, learning from mistakes and building trust.
Leadership Competencies
Inspire & Energize Team Members
- Continually inspires and develops Team Members and promote cross-functional collaboration.
- Supports, shared knowledge and experience with your Team through authentic conversations and development planning
- Communicates clear expectations
- Uses insight and knowledge to influence others
- Understands and acknowledge differences and modifies style to support unleashing potential
- Demonstrates patience and empathy, while listening
Create Winning Relationships
- Inspire enthusiasm & commitment by communicating a clear path to success
- Empowers others by delegating and providing support and opportunities for growth
- Identifies, raises and resolves conflict
- Builds trust and models the “Coach Approach”
Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Encourages informed risk-taking and supports learning from outcomes.
- Creates an environment where your team enjoys working hard while having fun
- Provides feedback to reinforce results
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.
In compliance with Ontario’s Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current existing vacancy within our organization.