Quality Assurance Manager (on-site)

Job Summary

The incumbent will manage the QA team in ensuring that products meet the highest quality standards. The job owner will work closely with internal and external cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvements and ensure that products are delivered on time and within specifications.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in quality assurance management, a strong understanding of industry standards, and leadership skills to guide a team in achieving excellence.

Objectives of this role

1. Ensure Product Safety and Compliance: Guarantee that all beverages meet regulatory standards (e.g., CFIA, FDA, HACCP, BRC, CBWA, ISO 22000) for food safety, hygiene, and labeling to protect consumers and avoid legal issues.
2. Maintain Consistent Product Quality: Establish and monitor quality systems to ensure every product batch consistently meets specifications.
3. Implement and Improve QA Systems: Design, document, and continually improve quality assurance policies and SOPs, including traceability, audits, testing protocols, and corrective action procedures.
4. Lead Quality Training and Culture: Train quality, production and operations teams on quality standards and best practices, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the company.

General tasks

• Develop and enforce quality standards and procedures
• Monitor, analyze, and report key quality metrics to track product performance and identify areas for improvement periodically.
• Work closely with production, product development, maintenance, and warehouse teams to ensure that quality standards are integrated into the product lifecycle.
• Overseeing the planning and execution of internal and third-party audits, inspections, and tests to evaluate product quality and quality systems.
• Liaise with internal and external customers (Co-pack) to drive product and process improvements and increase efficiency
• Conduct root cause analysis of non-conformances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Provide leadership, training, and development opportunities to QA and Operations staff to enhance team skills and performance and build a result-driven environment.
• Oversee and coordinate the daily operations of the QA department, ensuring all activities align with business goals and customer requirements.
• Monitor testing progress, defect trends, and product performance, providing status updates to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, industry best practices, and company policies regarding quality assurance processes.
• Conduct periodic team performance reviews, offer constructive feedback, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate Food Safety initiatives through the plant HACCP and Food Safety teams.

• Other duties as may be required.

Required skills and qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years quality assurance (QA) experience in the food industry. At least the last 2 of those years must be in a QA Manager, QA Lead, or similar role.
• Proven experience managing QA teams, including training, performance management, and team development.
• In-depth knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and frameworks.
• A background in aseptic (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverage packaging.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements such as CRA, FDA, CFIA
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to various stakeholders.

Added Advantage

• Relevant certification in Quality Management.
• Experience in using statistical analysis and quality control tools.
• Co-packing experience

Role Backup

• Primary: Quality Coordinator
• Secondary: Director, Quality Assurance