Specialist, Quality Assurance

Loblaw; Canada; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Loblaw is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure inbound and outbound Fresh products meet quality standards at the Distribution level. The role collaborates with Meat & Seafood, Produce, Supply Chain, and Operations to implement QA programs and ensure compliance with CFIA/USDA guidelines.

The position involves daily QA audits, documenting findings, coordinating with QA Leaders and cross-functional teams, and contributing to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education completed.
• 2–4 years in QA/Operations, preferably within meat/seafood/produce.
• Strong knowledge of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat & seafood quality and CFIA/USDA standards is an asset.
• Proficient in Windows tools: Excel, Outlook, Office 365; SAP and Manhattan is an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication across departments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, 24/7 refrigerated warehouse environment.
• Detail-oriented, analytical and organized.
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible with day, afternoon or night shifts, including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Verify inbound product meets quality specifications (size, weight, trim, colour) by measuring key metrics and testing programs.
• Ensure adherence to QA programs and policies for meat/seafood quality and safety.
• Complete daily QA audits (slot checks, inter-branch/distribution checks).
• Document inspection findings with forms and systems (rejection reports, QA reports).
• Coordinate with QA Manager, Quality Assurance Team, Category Management, Supply Chain, Distribution Operations.
• Coordinate with CFIA on quality issues as directed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and KPI monitoring.
• Perform general duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

QA experience

Food safety

Communication

Teamwork

Analytical

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

SAP

Office 365

Excel

Windows

Job description

At Loblaw, we help millions of Canadians get through their best days, worst days, celebration days, and every day. Through our innovation and quality products, we’re here for our friends, neighbours, family members and colleagues.

We succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us.

We’re looking for adaptable people who are thrilled to join us in our goal of helping Canadians Live Life Well®. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong. We promote leaders at every level and support our people to follow their passion.

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Specialist is accountable for ensuring that all inbound and outbound Fresh products (Produce, meat and seafood) meets LCL quality standards at the Distribution level. The Quality Specialist works with various areas (Meat & Seafood/Produce Business Unit, Supply Chain, Distribution and Operations) to aid in the integration and adherence of policies and processes with respect to Quality thereby ensuring compliance to all statutory and company requirements.

What You'll Do:

• Verify that all inbound product consistently meets our specifications for quality (size, weight, trim, colour etc.) by measurement of key metrics and adherence to sampling and testing programs.
• Ensure adherence and compliance with established Quality Assurance programs and policies thereby ensuring that all meat / seafood meets the highest standards of quality and food safety
• Complete daily/ongoing QA auditing of product (slot checks, inter branch and distribution checks)
• Investigate and document all quality inspection findings with appropriate forms and systems (rejection reports, slot check, QA reports etc.) on a daily/ongoing basis
• Continuous communication with QA Manager/Quality Assurance Team/Category Management Team/Supply Chain/Distribution Operations
• Coordinate activities with CFIA with respect to quality issues when directed by Quality Assurance Leaders
• Contribute as a key member of the Quality team to strategic decisions and continuous improvement initiatives
• Achieve individual and contribute to team Key Performance Indicators & monitoring metrics
• Conduct any general duties, specific projects and any other responsibilities as assigned or required in a timely and professional manner.

What You'll Need:

• Post-secondary education
• 2-4 years experience in a Quality Assurance/Operations function preferably within the meat, seafood & Produce industry (Procurement, Retail, Farm, Manufacturing or Distribution)
• Thorough knowledge of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat & seafood in regard to grades, sizes, colour including knowledge of CFIA/USDA standards is an asset
• Computer skills in a Windows environment: Excel, Outlook, Office 365. Knowledge of SAP and Manhattan is an asset
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) inter-departmentally and at various levels throughout the organization
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast paced, 24/7 refrigerated warehouse environment; inspections are completed in warehouse environment.
• Self motivated, detail oriented, analytical and organized
• Raise the bar regarding company quality assurance standards and exceptions and embrace a continuous improvement philosophy
• Requires ability to stand for long periods of time and lift 50lbs on a repetitive basis
• Must be flexible with working either day, afternoon or night shift, including weekends, holidays etc. Shifts are subject to change depending on business requirements.

Key Measures (Performance indicators):

• Contribution to the long term goals of the National Quality Assurance team
• Consistent reporting and communication
• Improved produce image and customer satisfaction
• Cases verified, cases rejected, stale dates

Loblaw is committed to sustainability by sourcing products with integrity and making a positive difference in the community. Our CORE Values – Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence – guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits – these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Canada’s Greenest Employers & Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.

Employment Type:

Full time

Type of Role:

Regular

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:

Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.

Hiring Range / Échelle salariale à l’embauche :$60,000.00 - $82,500.00 / 60.000,00$ - 82.500,00$ (per year / par an)A candidate’s experience and knowledge as well as the geographical region in which the position is located may be factored into the pay a candidate receives for this position. This posting is for an existing vacancy. The Company uses artificial intelligence for the purpose of screening, assessing and/or selecting applicants for this position. / L’expérience et les connaissances d’un candidat ainsi que la région géographique dans laquelle le poste est situé peuvent être prises en compte dans la rémunération qu’un candidat reçoit pour ce poste. Cette offre d’emploi concerne un poste vacant existant. L’entreprise utilise l’intelligence artificielle dans le but de filtrer, d’évaluer et/ou de sélectionner les candidats à ce poste.