Specialist, Quality Assurance

myview; East Gwillimbury; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Loblaw Companies Ltd. is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure inbound/outbound fresh products meet quality standards at the distribution level.

You will work across Meat & Seafood, Produce, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure policy adherence and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include QA auditing, resolving quality issues, and collaborating with multiple teams to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education
• 2-4 years experience in a Quality Assurance/Operations function preferably within the meat, seafood & Produce industry
• 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
• Raises 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Teamwork

Quality Assurance

Flexibility

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Office 365

SAP

Manhattan

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: Candidat