VP, Quality Assurance

VP, Quality Assurance

Ready For a Tasty New Challenge?

Overview

The VP, Quality Assurance is responsible for developing a culture of product quality across our entire supply chain, from suppliers to customers. Consistency in product quality must become a hallmark of our existence, and the VP, Quality Assurance will champion this strategic direction through the strong implementation of Six Sigma processes across our integrated supply chain. This role includes frequent communication and presentations to key customers, showcasing our commitment to superior quality and consumer experience.

In addition, you will develop and oversee comprehensive Food Safety programs across all Canadian Fresh manufacturing facilities. These programs include, but are not limited to, the implementation and maintenance of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Supplier Approval, BRCGS, Foreign Supplier Verification, Recalls, FDA and USDA Compliance, and adherence to Company Standards. This role also involves challenging current practices to enhance food safety and, ultimately, improve company profitability.

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and measuring a proactive, comprehensive strategic product quality, food safety, and quality assurance program that encompasses all aspects of food handling, aligning with Wonderbrands’ overall strategic plan. Additionally, you will act as a liaison for the company in interactions with government officials, external auditors, and customers.

This role offers exciting opportunities to visit and collaborate with our manufacturing and distribution teams at various sites. Frequent travel will be an integral part of your responsibilities, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and build strong relationships across our operations.

What Wonderbrands Offers:

• Wonderbrands believes in Home Grown Talent and accelerated career growth
• Competitive Compensation, Health, and Dental Benefits
• Pension plan with matching contribution
• Quarterly incentive program
• Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping, etc.

Responsibilities

• Champion our commitment to delivering the highest quality products and ensuring an exceptional consumer experience.
• Collaborate closely with our Business Transformation and Continuous Improvement teams to develop and implement Six Sigma methodologies. Lead efforts to build strong Six Sigma knowledge among all QA team members across all sites.
• Develop and train our vast QA team across all locations. Deliver comprehensive and best-in-class training programs to develop deep knowledge of Six Sigma.
• Establish policies, procedures, reporting, and evaluation systems that support the company’s strategic plan related to Food Safety.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all Food Safety trends, regulations, and legislation, maintaining a high level of expertise to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with appropriate regulatory agencies, acting as a liaison for all Food Safety matters.
• Implement continuous improvement enhancements in the Food Safety area by setting goals and identifying key performance indicators.
• Maintain and upgrade HACCP procedures in all facilities. Using a risk-based, preventative approach, ensure that food safety programs are effective, and all facilities adhere to and comply with GMPs.
• Manage investigations and reporting of quality issues, market withdrawals, and recalls, and implement internal audit control processes in the Quality Assurance/Food Safety arena.
• Lead both proactive and reactive solutions to Food Quality programs.
• Regularly evaluate and report on progress, issues, barriers, successes, and recommendations using approved evaluation metrics, systems, and documents.
• Lead Crisis Management situations related to food recalls, communicable diseases, Health Department interactions, and public relations, in collaboration with other representatives.
• Stay informed of all industry issues and up-to-date with legislation, training, and best practices, and implement that knowledge in FGF’s Food Safety Program.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality control, food production, food science, and auditing/testing.
• Strong hands-on experience and knowledge of Six Sigma.
• Proven expertise in organizational development and operations management, lean manufacturing principles (Six Sigma, 5S), strategic and business planning methods, project planning, and coordination.
• Thorough knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, FSMA, and GFSI.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret and apply legislation, develop systems and standard operating procedures, and manage risk based on data and statistics.
• Related technical experience.
• Regulatory knowledge.
• Strong communication skills, including written, oral, presentation, and influencing at all levels (restaurant, executive, public, etc.).
• Ability to create positive relationships among teams with various backgrounds.
• Strong planning and reporting skills, including proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to lead and influence a diverse team during change, while maintaining cooperation, motivation, and cohesiveness in a food manufacturing environment.

30% travel required across Canada.

What is the recipe for a great career at Wonderbrands

Wonderbrands, is a leading Canadian bakery with 140 years of experience in baking packaged breads. We are the makers of Wonder Bread, Country Harvest, D’Italiano, Gadoua, and Casa Mendosa. We have a network of 14 Bakery Manufacturing facilities across Canada.

Wonderbrands, now part of the FGF Brands Group of companies, is unlocking an incredible opportunity for growth through a focus on production innovation capabilities, through a leading-edge supply chain practice and investing deeply in communities where we bake. We are heavily focused on embracing an entrepreneurial drive and a highly collaborative start up culture with an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added or this description may be amended at any time.