Quality & Innovation Manager

Northam Beverages; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the beverage industry is seeking a Quality & Innovation Manager located in Kamloops, B.C. to oversee quality control across facilities and lead product development initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills and significant experience in quality and product development within the food or beverage sector. You will play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Benefits

100% company-paid Life Insurance

AD&D, Dependent Life, Health & Dental coverage

Employee Assistance Program

RRSP Contributions matching

Paid Vacation starting from 3 weeks

$75 monthly product allowance

Annual salary review and increase

Flex Friday Afternoons program

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in quality control.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological and sensory analysis techniques.
• Strong working knowledge of product development in the beverage industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality control initiatives for all facilities.
• Manage product development and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Train and evaluate QC Technicians and develop quality management standards.

Skills

Quality Control

Analytical Skills

Product Development

Microbiological Analysis

Sensory Evaluation

Education

Diploma or degree in Food Science

Chemistry

Microbiology

Job description

We are looking for a Quality & Innovation Manager to join our team. This role is located in Kamloops, B.C.

The Quality & Innovation Manager leads quality control across all facilities, driving initiatives that enhance customer satisfaction and support continuous process improvement. This role also supports the development of beverage products and manages third-party vendor quality control for all ready-to-drink and cider products, including flavoured ciders and spirit-based beverages. The manager provides expert guidance to senior leadership while maintaining strong, professional relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Quality Control

• Set standards, monitor, and evaluate quality performance (quality index) results at each production location. Provides reports about test results in the cellar and production to the appropriate production department.
• Responsible for microbiological, chemical, and sensory analysis for both cellar inventory and finish goods.
• Develop and implement training and auditing program for the Quality Management System & Manual.
• Train and evaluate QC Technicians on microbial and analytical testing procedures, including sensory profiling of products for release to packaging or final production.
• Responsible for product releases (from Brewing to Packaging and from Packaging to Inventory); including batch release approvals, guidance on batch correction (if required) and product consistency tasting schedules.
• Recommend and implement corrective action in the event of a standard, product, or ingredient failure.
• Immediately advises the VP of Manufacturing Operations of any production cancelations due to unsatisfactory product, including reasons of the cancelation and proposed corrective action; or any issues resulting in product destruction or potential product recalls from market.
• Develops and implements analytical and sensory benchmarks for all company products.
• Organizes and manages sensory panel focus on product consistency to approved sensory benchmarks.
• Responsible for calibration and proper function of all laboratory, measuring and test equipment.
• Works with senior management to establish and maintain written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) which acknowledges key quality steps in production processes.
• Continuously keeps up to date with latest Quality Control techniques and develops and proposes tactically and strategically sound plans to drive improvements in quality and consistency.

Innovation – under the direction of the SVP of Marketing & Sales and in collaboration with the contract Senior Innovation Contractor

• Responds to marketing briefs for RTD / Cider beverage product development to meet specific product flavor profiles and attributes, including ABV, calorific and carbohydrate values – to meet cost / margin targets.
• Creates and maintains documentation to develop and commercialize new formulations (lab notebooks, specifications, test methods and results).
• Creates blending standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal as well third-party packaging facilities and trains internal staff on the SOPs.
• Approves production blends internally and at 3rd parties until satisfied blends can be consistently repeated.
• Maintains familiarity with Provincial and Federal regulations to ensure products are compliant.
• Reviews all new artwork copy for legal / regulatory compliance.
• Identifies and recommends replacement ingredients for existing recipes to improve cost or sensory attributes.
• Works closely with flavour and raw materials suppliers, monitors quality and consistency of ingredients.
• Monitors flavour trends and provides regular briefings to Sales, Marketing and Purchasing.
• Evaluates feedback from consumers, internal and external customers and recommends potential changes to recipes.
• Provides documentation for Liquor Boards and Co-Packers.
• Travel is required to support Co-packer qualification and new product initial production.

What you bring :

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in quality control and product development within the food or beverage industry.
• Diploma or degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Food safety knowledge is considered an asset, particularly experience preparing for or supporting food safety audits.
• Strong working knowledge of flavours, essences, and other food ingredients; experience developing and commercializing beverage products.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological, chemical, and sensory analysis techniques in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with CFIA, Health Canada, and other relevant regulatory frameworks, including ingredient compliance and labelling requirements.
• Proven ability to manage Quality Management Systems (QMS), GMP, and HACCP programs.
• Demonstrated skill in root cause analysis and corrective action planning in a production setting.
• A well-developed palate and experience conducting or leading sensory evaluations.
• Solid computer literacy and experience managing documentation and quality systems electronically.
• Appreciation for and knowledge of beer, wine, and other beverage categories is an asset.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support production, training, and vendor audits.
• Extended Benefits : 100% company-paid Life Insurance, AD&D, Dependent Life, Health & Dental coverage, Employee Assistance Program for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
• RRSP Contributions : 1.5% matching after 3 months of employment; 4.5% matching after 2 years of employment.
• Paid Vacation : 3 weeks to start; and 4 weeks after 5 years of employment; 5 weeks after 15 years.
• Product Allowance : Receive $75.00 allowance per month towards company products.
• Annual Salary Review : Annual salary review and increase.
• Flex Friday Afternoons : We are trialing a flex Friday afternoon program where you can choose work longer Monday to Thursday and have either every or every other Friday afternoon off.

The starting range for this role is $75,000 per annum.