Join one of the BEST teams in the Industry

Fresh Start Foods Canada Ltd. was founded in 1993 to provide Foodservice Customers with a fresh alternative. An outstanding supply network, efficient distribution, and our thoroughly modern processing plant are all part of our commitment to provide the freshest fruits and vegetables possible.

Fresh Start Foods is currently hiring a full time Food Safety & Quality Manager to join our Milton, Ontario team. 

The Food Safety & Quality Manager is the champion of problem solving, testing, and process improvement to ensure the company's quality and food safety standards meet GFSI standards of excellence. The Manager overseas food safety & quality team to ensure all food safety, regulatory and quality programs (HACCP, Preventive Controls, GMP’s, SSOP’s, SOPs etc.) are maintained and checks are being conducted as required by in-house programs and procedures. This role will understand the why’s and how’s through root cause analysis, and will initiate preventative measures, creating and executing through their team. This is a cross-functional role, engaging with several other departments (operations, maintenance, supply chain, customer service, R&D, sanitation, etc.).

Essential Functions:

• Support, mentor, and lead Food Safety & Quality team to ensure executional capability and support on each shift.

• Develop, implement, maintain, and reassess food safety & quality management systems ensuring regulatory compliance and alignment with company objectives, product specifications, etc.

• Oversee the daily operations and  schedule of the Food Safety & Quality department to make sure that food safety & quality standards meet and/or exceed regulatory, GFSI and customer expectations.

• Responsible for identifying, developing, and managing quality objectives/KPI’s , with the goal of driving continuous improvement through measurement and management.

• Responsible for developing methods for accurate, reliable, and efficient quality testing within company standards.

• Oversee and manage department resources, both budgetary and staff, to meet budget standards. 

• Responsible for development of departmental staff: lead the team in the areas of communication, performance management, and training/ development.

•  Train and orient new staff in the specific functions and tasks.

• Promote and comply with Company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

• Reassess current programs annually to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Lead and maintain Customer Complaint Investigation Program.

• Maintain monthly trends and provide an update to senior management.

• Perform annual risk assessments as required by GFSI standard.

• Lead mock recall/actual recalls.

• Stay current with any regulatory changes. Update the team on any new requirements and lead the implementation.

• Prepare for and lead all third-party audits, second party audits and regulatory inspections.

• Ensure proper follow-ups of any deviations and identify the root cause to prevent the recurrence.

• Support the FSQA Director on projects, customer requirements, and regulatory initiatives.

• Conduct performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.

• Handle discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Five to seven years previous food service, manufacturing and/or distribution product food safety and quality experience;  including five years of progressive leadership experience.

• Bachelor Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related scientific fields, is required.

• HACCP and/or FDA Preventive Control Qualified Individual, is required.

• SQF and/or BRC Practitioner is required.

• Knowledge of government regulations (U.S.: USDA, FDA | Canada: CFIA,Health Canada) pertaining to food safety and quality

• Must be detail-oriented and display good project management and organizational skills.  

• Must possess and display excellent verbal and written communication skills.  

• Interpersonal skills include ability to work independently and in a team environment, coaching and mentoring skills. Leadership abilities and a positive attitude with a commitment to personal and professional success. 

• Must think strategically, develop a winning vision and be a leader of influence.