Laboratory Supervisor

VegPro International Inc is a Canadian leader in the innovation of its agricultural production of baby leaf lettuce and salads, supplying customers in North America all year long under the well-known label Fresh Attitude. Our pre-washed and ready-to-eat packaged salads are available in all major grocery chains in Canada, with a strong and rapidly growing presence in the United States.

At VegPro, we believe everyone should have access to the benefits only nature can give us. We own and farm approximately 700 acres of land in Coldstream, BC, and we have built a 70,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art produce packaging facility. Living with the utmost respect to the land and to our consumers, our employees are devoted each day to growing and packing the freshest, healthiest, most innovative, and best-tasting ready-to-eat fresh salads.

About the opportunity

We are inviting an individual with a passion for microbiology and a desire to obtain some valuable experience working with quality laboratory equipment to join our Quality Assurance team as a Laboratory Supervisor.

The role is responsible for planning, organizing, and ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities in the microbiological analysis laboratory.

Main Responsibilities include:

• Ensure smooth daily operation of the microbiological laboratory including adherence to the task schedule and compliance with laboratory best practices.
• Monitor microbiological analysis by verifying and approving results, conducting investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage the inventory of microbiological products, place orders and oversee the receipts of laboratory materials and waste.
• Manage the maintenance of laboratory equipment, conduct preventive checks, handle technical issues, and manage issues with external suppliers.
• Provide training to laboratory technicians and maintain effective communication with the team.
• Ensure Compliance with existing Microbiological Programs including Swabbing, Environmental and Sampling Programs:

Swabbing Program:

• Monitor and update the environmental program schedule as needed.
• Communicate non-conformities to the supervisor during ATP tests, allergen tests, and pre-operational inspections.

Sampling Program:

• Assist with identifying and recording samples received in the laboratory’s database.
• Ensure that analyses for sampled products are completed.
• Prepare samples and send them to an external certified laboratory in case of non-conformity or if internal testing is not possible.
• Ensure that received certificates are properly filed and related accounting documents are correctly completed.

Water Program:

• Perform sampling and complete the appropriate documents for shipping.
• Verify results from the external laboratory.

• Implement Performance Indicators and Ensure Continuous Improvement by updating and implementing procedures, supporting projects with the corporate team and the production team, and monitor KPIs.
• Ensure Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

• College or university degree in biochemistry, microbiology, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a microbiological laboratory.
• Minimum of one year of experience as a Supervisor or Team Lead.
• Skills of ISO 17025 are an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and knowledge of a LIMS system.
• Precision and attention to detail.
• Proactive and stress tolerant.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Environmental Factors

This position requires extensive time standing; occasional time sitting at a desk working on a computer, walking, bending, reaching; working conditions include working in an office within a production facility that includes cold and damp processing and packaging environment, as well as a fresh produce farm with outdoor fields.

We offer:

• Competitive wage.
• Health Benefits.
• Bonus.
• Weekly pay (get paid every Friday!).
• Employee discount on our product.

VegPro International is committed to employment equity and diversity. For more information about our company visit www.vegpro.com and http://attitudefraiche.com/en/.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent.

Pay: $62,000.00-$72,000.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Casual dress.
• Dental care.
• Discounted or free food.
• Employee assistance program.
• Extended health care.
• Life insurance.
• On-site parking.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Coldstream, BC V1B 3C1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred).

Work Location: In person.