Director of Quality Assurance

Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, South America and Australia. Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly skilled, and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.

True North Salmon Partnership Ltd., a division of Cooke Aquaculture Inc., a dynamic and growing east coast family company, with Platinum Member status in the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program, is seeking a results orientated individual to join our Company as Director of Quality Assurance.

The Role

This role leads the strategic implementation and oversight of corporate quality and traceability programs, with a strong focus on compliance, process control, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. The position ensures adherence to food safety standards (including HACCP), manages product specifications and certifications, supports new product development, and oversees quality assurance across multiple operations in Eastern Canada and Maine.

Essential Functions:

Quality Program Leadership

• Lead the implementation and oversight of the corporate Quality Management and Traceability Programs, including HACCP and related food safety systems.
• Act as the primary quality control resource for issue identification, resolution, loss reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee allergen management programs and ensure that labeling and packaging meet regulatory compliance for all destination markets.
• Design, implement, and maintain procedures for process control, process improvement, testing, and inspection.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement strategies.

Laboratory Oversight and Testing

• Oversee in-house laboratory operations for product testing and sample analysis.
• Manage relationships and quality standards with third-party laboratories.
• Ensure timely and accurate testing to support product quality, compliance, and safety.

Systems and Data Management

• Manage the product specification system and lead the implementation of a new system (Trace Grain).
• Oversee and maintain the corporate Quality Assurance software, ensuring it supports compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of quality systems (e.g., process capability, control charts, measurement quality).
• Report quality issues, trends, and losses to senior management.

Regulatory Compliance and Agency Interaction

• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies including CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and other relevant agencies.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Support third-party and customer certification programs, including audit preparation and follow-up.
• Import/export regulatory compliance (certificates, licenses, etc.)

Cross-functional and Regional Collaboration

• Coordinate cross-functional quality initiatives across diverse East Coast operations, including facilities in Eastern Canada and Maine.
• Provide quality assurance support to other Cooke operations as required.
• Support the corporate New Product Development (NPD) team to ensure quality is integrated from concept to commercialization.

Leadership and Resource Management

• Oversee performance evaluation systems for the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of accountability and development.
• Develop and manage the corporate Quality Assurance budget, ensuring it includes measurable targets and aligns with corporate goals.
• Develop and maintain internal process certification standards and support company-wide audit and certification activities.

Technical and Industry-Specific Skills

• In-depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) including HACCP, GMP, and traceability systems.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and standards (CFIA, FDA, GFSI schemes like SQF or BRC, etc.).
• Experience with lab operations, including oversight of both in-house and third-party laboratory testing protocols.
• Familiarity with product specification systems, especially the implementation and management of platforms like Trace Grain.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements in labeling, allergen management, and product claims.
• Knowledge of process control tools such as SPC (Statistical Process Control), control charts, and root cause analysis methods (e.g., Fishbone, 5 Whys, FMEA).
• Audit readiness and certification management, including experience with internal and external audits.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical skills to interpret lab results, trend data, and KPIs to identify quality issues and opportunities.
• Process improvement expertise, including Lean or Six Sigma methodologies (certification a plus).
• Critical thinking and decision-making in high-stakes or time-sensitive quality issues.

Leadership and Management Skills

• Proven leadership experience, ideally managing multi-site QA/QC teams.
• Budgeting and resource planning abilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams, particularly across geographically distributed sites.
• Ability to manage performance evaluations, training, and development of quality team staff.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting, policy writing, and audit documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with internal teams (NPD, Operations, Supply Chain) and external stakeholders (labs, regulators, certifiers).
• Comfortable dealing with government agencies and acting as the face of the organization in regulatory matters.

Technology and Software Skills

• Proficiency in quality management software, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or similar).
• Experience with product specification software (such as Trace Grain or similar platforms).
• Competency in digital document control systems for SOPs, quality manuals, audit trails, and test records.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related field (Master’s preferred for senior-level roles).
• Professional certifications (e.g., HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, ASQ Certified Quality Auditor/Manager).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in food quality assurance, with at least 3 years in a leadership or multi-site role.

Join our team and enjoy the benefits of full-time year-round employment with competitive rates and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and career growth.

Benefits Package:

• Health Benefits: Includes coverage for dental, vision, and extended medical care.
• Insurance: Life and disability insurance provided for financial security.
• Support Services: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Planning: Opportunity for RRSP matching to support your retirement savings.
• Time Off: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave for work-life balance.
• Wellness: Wellness programs and access to on-site gym facilities (available in some locations).
• Career Development: Professional growth opportunities and avenues for advancement.
• Perks: Employee discounts on company products or services.
• Convenience: On-site parking or parking allowance.

If you're looking to join a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development, apply now and become part of our dynamic team.

The Why

Why Cooke? Simple - because we are a company that rewards initiative, resourcefulness, and work ethic. We will champion your growth and provide you with the platform to create your path, your career, and your future.

NOTE: The recruiter is reviewing and interviewing eligible applicants for this position as they are received. If you are interested in this posting, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.