Quality Assurance Lead Weekend Shift (Fri, Sat, Sun, 5AM to 5:30PM)

Position Profile

Responsibilities

• Conduct internal audits to verify that the quality management system and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are followed thoroughly and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Organize, and compile all records completed by operators and QA Technicians, including batch records, CCP monitoring records, and associated production forms.
• Maintain laboratory and testing equipment and oversee the lab equipment calibration program, including review of maintenance and calibration records, and monitor lab supplies inventory
• Support allergen control and gluten-free program requirements, including adherence to segregation practices, gluten-free room protocols, and validated allergen changeover and verification activities.
• Perform data entry of quality results, including retain bake-off outcomes, incident reports, consumer complaints, and other pertinent quality information.
• Prepare, pack, and submit samples for transport to third-party testing laboratories in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist in investigations into non-conformances, consumer complaints, and major defects; assist in identifying and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Assist with the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including environmental swabbing, sample preparation, and identification of hard-to-clean areas.
• Perform sanitation SOP verification activities and conduct sanitation validation swabbing.
• Oversee the daily activities of QA Technicians, including providing guidance and coaching, and ensuring all deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Train QA Technicians on inspection methods, documentation practices, testing procedures, and the operation of analytical equipment; identify ongoing training needs and skill gaps.
• Liaise with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and other departments to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in internal and external audits (e.g., SQF, GFCO, customer audits) and regulatory inspections.
• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet SQF, regulatory, company, and customer requirements.
• Assist the Quality Supervisor with food safety and quality projects, objectives, and departmental initiatives.
• Provide vacation and absence coverage for QA Technicians on all shifts as needed.

• Follow company safety policies and practices , fostering a safe workplace and environment for ourselves and our co-workers.
• Prioritize safety while carrying out daily activities.
• Report any unsafe acts or conditions to the immediate production supervisor.
• Understand cleaning chemicals and their handling procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary working environment always.

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant quality assurance experience, preferably in food manufacturing; an associate degree in a related field (Quality Assurance, Food Science, Chemistry, etc.) is preferred.
• Working knowledge of food safety programs, microbiological principles, and sanitation concepts.
• Experience with certification and regulatory programs (Kosher, Organic, RSPO, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free) preferred; familiarity with gluten-free manufacturing controls is a strong plus.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend written work instructions, procedures, and operational documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new processes, procedures, equipment, and technologies in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials to support onboarding, cross-training, and operational consistency.
• Ability to effectively train, coach, and mentor employees on job duties, work instructions, safety requirements, quality standards, and operational processes, adapting training methods to accommodate varying experience levels and learning styles.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, as required to perform essential job functions. Additional language proficiency in Spanish or French is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adapt to changing production demands, priorities, and schedules.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and operational requirements.
• Availability to work varying shifts, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, based on business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide positive leadership, foster teamwork, and model Cérélia’s core values and expected behaviors.
• Proven reliability, initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment in the performance of job responsibilities.

• Able to stand extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and safely stack or carry pans, ingredient containers, and related materials for extended periods .
• Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods , including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting.