Quality Assurance Technician

Interested in joining Canada’s largest poultry processor? At Maple Lodge Farms, we’re not only passionate about our chickens, but our people, too. We operate to the latest in technological, health and safety, and quality standards. With rapid expansion over the years, and continued innovation and investment in growth, we’re looking for committed, team players to join the Maple Lodge family. As a proudly family-owned Canadian company, we’re passionate about what we do. If you’re a committed team player, we would love to have you as part of our team.

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager – Operations, the Quality Assurance Technician will be responsible for monitoring and report on operational compliance to Programs/Policies (e.g. HACCP, AW, MPIP, etc.).

This is an existing position within the company.

Shift: Monday – Friday, 3:00 am to 11:30 am.

What's in it for you?

• Health benefits and pension plan
• Weekly pay
• Onsite Cafeteria
• Discount at our Chicken Shop
• Opportunities for career advancement
• A culture that values humility, respect for family and hard work

What you will be doing:

• Verifies that plant practices and/or product related to assigned plant area are compliant to the customer and Company’s requirements and recommend solutions to obtain the best quality products. Follow up with appropriate parties to ensure that corrective actions are taken where the product does not meet MLF and/or customer requirements.
• Monitors the assigned area (department) to ensure that employees are compliant to Company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and records the results as well as corrective actions, if deviations occur.
• Monitors and records all assigned tasks and completes the associated records in a timely manner (as close to real time as possible) to ensure that all related documents, including product specification documents, are comprehensive, up to date, and compliant with company policies and practices.
• Monitors and verifies the CCPs related to the assigned department.
• Attends and assists in providing necessary documentation when third party audits occur.
• Provides daily information to the QA Supervisor and/or Manager with respect to results and progress in the area where assigned in the plant.
• Policies, Processes & Procedures a. Adhere/comply with company policies and procedures. b. Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Checks and test raw materials, formulas and technological processes to ensure that they meet the customer and MLF’s standards.
• Obtains product, ingredient, packaging material samples for microbiological analysis as required by the outlined scheduled.
• Prepare all test schedules, ensure accuracy of all test performed and submit them to the laboratory in a timely fashion.
• Analyze lab results, investigate and follow up on trends and non-compliant results.
• Conducts root cause analysis for non-conformities and customer complaints. Ensures that all customer complaints are followed up.

What you will bring:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in HACCP/GFSI role(s) in the food industry, preferably in meat and in a unionized environment;
• Working knowledge of food and meat plant regulatory standards (CFIA, etc.), GMP, HACCP, BRC, food safety, food quality, etc.;
• Working knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), WHMIS, and all other workplace H&S regulations;
• Ability to work / excel in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and effective multi-tasking is essential;
• Analytical, with problem-identification and problem-solving capabilities;
• General computer skills (e.g. MS Office / Inventory Management systems).
• Post Secondary Diploma in a related field required.
• Building Trust – Builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust, loyalty and authenticity.
• Driving for Results – Relentlessly pursues quantifiable and measurable results: identifies areas for improvement and executes changes as necessary.
• Communication & Listening – Encourages open and honest communication with the team, communicates messages clearly and concisely and listens attentively to others.
• Initiative – Proactively seeks new opportunities and challenges; takes ownership and accountability for enhancing results or minimizing problems.
• Builds Networks – Builds strong relationships with peers, partners and key stakeholders, cultivating meaningful connections.
• Awareness & Insight – Assesses one’s own abilities, understands how actions impact perceptions and thrives within our culture, climate and organization at all levels.

Maple Lodge Farms was established in 1955. We are the largest chicken processor in Canada, and we remain family owned. The principles that guided us from our humble beginnings, when Lawrence May sold eggs door-to-door, are the same principles that guide us today: hard work, agricultural wisdom and family values. We are creating a sustainable future by providing healthy, wholesome, best quality chicken products with a focus on the humane treatment of animals, the responsible use of resources and the positive development of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check.

In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2003, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are required to make their needs known in advance. Our recruitment process may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in reviewing applications. These tools help identify candidates whose qualifications closely align with the job requirements. Please note, these AI tools are not used to disqualify applicants but to support our efforts in efficiently screening large volumes of applications.

We thank all applicants for applying, however, only those chosen will be contacted by our Talent Acquisition Team.

IND2