(Manufacturing/Production) The Vanderpol Food Group is a company who values their employees. Located in the Fraser Valley, we are a family owned company proudly servicing local and international customers for more than 55 years. This stability has not limited our ongoing growth and therefore has created numerous advancement opportunities for employees at all levels. We constantly look for ways to improve the work environment, provide a safe workplace, listen to our employees, communicate company information, and provide ongoing training to assist employees in performing their current job and also prepare them for career opportunities. We also offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Manager, Quality Control oversees the Quality Control (QC) laboratory including all QC laboratory staff, resources, activities, testing, and reporting required for the manufacture of safe and high quality food products for the Vanderpol Food Group. The QC Manager will develop, improve, and implement key initiatives and laboratory practices that maintain and ensure product safety and quality in a manner that support’s the company’s quality and safety practices, maintains accreditation with the Standards Council of Canada, provides accurate and timely results, supports internal and external audits, and improves and upgrades microbiological documentation, and drives operational efficiencies. As a member of management, participates in corporate projects, strategic and operational committees, and other organizational key initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
Leadership & Human Resources
• Leads and manages QC laboratory staff.
• Identify, assemble and manage budget, time, resource requirements, and human resources required to complete daily laboratory operations, QC processes and projects. I.E. work scheduling, review and approval of timesheets.
• Ensure a respectful, safe, and healthy work environment for department staff.
• Train, motivate, and support staff to work safely, efficiently, and qualitatively to meet budgets and objectives.
• Apply company human resources policies and processes in an equitable and fair manner.
• Assist in the development of positive cross functional/department relationships.
• Develop and execute department business plan that contributes to organizational goals and results.
Quality & Customer Focus
Quality Control
• Participate in microbiological proficiency programs and support quality by investigating questionable and unsatisfactory results.
• Establish, document, and implement SOP’s for effective and efficient department operations
• Ensure compliance with corporate, industry, and regulatory standards including the company’s quality policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality/Laboratory Management Program and Systems including the Quality Manual.
• Maintain process quality controls that:
o Monitor daily temperature controlled devices (incubators, water baths, refrigerators, ovens, freezers, autoclave, etc.)
o Monitor stock/working/bench cultures.
o Monitor Autoclave Performance (kilit, steri, strip, timer, etc.)
o Monitor environmental swabbing of the laboratory for pathogens to support microbiological environment.
o Monitor microbial density of air and water to support microbiological environment.
o Monitor media performance – qualitatively and quantitatively.
Testing
• Perform tests and/or calibrations. Interpret and evaluate all results.
• Conduct studies, validate and implement methodology.
• Maintain and record laboratory equipment calibrations and maintenance.
Internal & External Customer Focus
• Ensure QC laboratory operations and service integrates with company/customer needs and other departments to make the company more effective and efficient.
• Provide technical support and expertise in liaising and resolving customer queries/results and contributing to the resolution of customer complaints.
Safety & Environment
• Ensure that no unsafe practices develop in the laboratory, perform periodic inspections, and enforce all the policies and procedures related to safety in the laboratory environment I.E. OH&S, acts and regulations relating to laboratory environments.
Continuous Improvement
• Conduct trials, implement ideas and develop practicable recommendations for process improvement.
COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Ability)
• Perform all duties and responsibilities described in the QC Laboratory Supervisor Job Description.
• Demonstrate leadership ability and interpersonal skills that engage employees, create a team environment, drive employee productivity and competence, and achieve department business goals.
• Maintain updated knowledge and strong technical expertise of ISO standards, laboratory skills and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999 requirements.
• Familiar with Micro flora originating from agricultural and food matrixes.
• Focus on quality including the development and adherence to standard operating procedures that create department efficiencies.
• Manage projects from start to completion.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology or in a related field with 2 years’ experience or Bachelor of Food Science Degree with five years’ experience in a microbiology laboratory.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a management role preferably within a laboratory setting.
• Sound knowledge of the ISO standards, laboratory skills and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices).
• Familiarity with official accredited methods such as compendium, MFHPB – Health Protection Branch of the Microbiological Analysis of Foods; MFO – Official Methods of the Microbiological Analysis of Foods; and MFLP – Laboratory Practices of the Microbiological Analysis of Foods.
• Proven ability to build engaged and productive teams and facilitate professional relationships among team members.
• Results oriented with a disposition towards continuous improvement – demonstrates strong initiative to create / evolve processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the proven ability to communicate one-on-one and in group settings.
• Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, graphing and database programs.
• Problem solver with solid analytical skills and the ability to trouble shoot as the need arises. Involves staff in the decision making process. Makes rational decisions.
Apply on-line at www.vanderpolseggs.com or send us your resume via email at humanresources@vanderpolfood.com