Quality Assurance Specialist

PORTA is an authentic Italian manufacturer of artisanal, ready-to-cook frozen meals. We produce restaurant-quality dishes using only the finest Italian and locally-sourced ingredients, traditional recipes and a very simple cooking process that takes less than 15-minutes. We want to make every home cook feel like a chef and we do that by making it easier to access, order and cook the best that Italy has to offer right in your home. PORTA currently offers a range of frozen pizzas, pasta kits, raviolis, and desserts. We distribute Direct-to-Consumer through a meal subscription at and are also available in over 200 stores in Ontario, Canada. Be the chef in your home kitchen and try PORTA today.

Quality Assurance Specialist

PORTA is looking for a Quality Assurance Specialist to oversee all aspects of quality assurance processes, from raw material inspection to finished product testing. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in delivering high-quality products to our customers while championing a culture of Food Safety and compliance.

Requirements

• Promote the gold standard of Food Safety and GMP Culture throughout the facility

• Work closely with the Sr. Manager Quality and Food Safety to develop and implement food safety programs, policies and procedures
• Continuously implement, train and improve the HACCP Program, SOPs and processes
• Write, review and revise SOPs for various aspects of food manufacturing, including sanitation, hygiene, allergen control and equipment maintenance
• Oversee, assist and identify QA Technician training needs and opportunities
• Manage key sanitation contact, ensuring adherence to sanitation protocols and standards, and promptly addressing any issues that may arise
• Manage relationship with lab contact for 3rd part testing and coordination
• Work on the line to identify critical control points to prevent, eliminate or reduce food safety hazards

· Develop and document trend analysis for quality assurance KPI’s

• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, procurement and cross-functionally to address quality issues, implement corrective actions and support continuous improvement
• Investigate and address food safety incidents, deviations and non-conformances in a timely manner
• Prepare for and participate in external audits and inspections conducted by regulatory agencies, customers or third-party auditors
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality assurance processes and implement corrective and preventive actions as needed
• Other duties as assigned
  

About You

• Diploma or Degree in Microbiology, Food Sciences, Chemistry or related disciplines considered an asset
• High level of deductive, analytical, organizational and communication skills
• Self-starter, must thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic company environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong problem identification and resolution skills
• Proactive and conscientious – able to identify and anticipate compliance gaps and recommend creative and practical solutions
• Strong attention to detail in all areas of work
  

Skills

• Post-secondary education or equivalent – food safety and regulatory affairs strongly preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in Food Safety/Quality Assurance in a CFIA regulated food manufacturing sector.
• Experience with high risk frozen foods is an asset
• HACCP certified and PCQI certified
• Experience in a GFSI setting
• Strong organization skills and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written interpersonal skills required
• Previous experience participating in audits (third party, regulatory, customer)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  
  
  
  

Benefits

• Bonus plan
• Competitive salary
• Benefits
• Free Italian food!
  
  

PORTA is committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. Our people are our business and we celebrate our differences, encourage a breadth of perspectives, and offer equal opportunity for all employees to join and excel at our company. PORTA gladly provides accommodations to candidates if necessary, so please send us an email if you would like us to do that for you: .