QA Technician - Jobs in Ancaster, ON

Job Description

City & State:Ancaster, ON, CA, L9G 3L1L9G 3L1Job Category: Bakery OperationsL9G 3L1Aspire Bakeries is a North American baking company with a leadership position in specialty frozen baked goods. Formed from leading bakery companies, its innovative food portfolio includes breads, artisan breads, buns, cookies, donuts, muffins and pastries from beloved brands like La Brea Bakery®, Otis Spunkmeyer®, and Oakrun Farm Bakery®. With 13 bakeries in North America, we are committed to driving innovation, predicting upcoming consumer trends and flavors, and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Aspire Bakeries champions the values of Integrity, Ownership, Customer Focus, Creativity and Care to help us deliver on People Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Collaboration.Job TitleQA TechnicianLocationAncaster, ONDepartmentQuality AssuranceReporting toQA SupervisorPosition PurposeThis position is responsible for working in the production area to ensure full compliance with specifications, processing controls and food safety practices.Key AccountabilitiesResponsible for Finished Product Quality Inspections and Product Hold ProceduresResponsibilitiesFinished Product Quality Inspections to ensure compliance with product specifications and for checking heights, color and other attributes of finished product to meet customer quality expectations.Product Hold Procedures including placing questionable product on hold, discarding bad product, placement of positive release products on hold, monitoring the on hold procedure and ensuring compliance with positive release procedures.Provide individual or group training to production employees on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product specifications, SPC, production controls, formulas, visual quality inspection criteria, GMPs, Food Safety and HACCP procedures and assist in development of SOPsAssist in preparation for internal and external customer auditsIn-Process Production Process Monitoring of all the operational areasPaperwork processes and document managementEnsure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities specific to food safety, legality and qualityAdhere to all applicable job procedures as outlined in SOP manualKeep work area clean and clear of hazardsReport any unsafe conditions, incidents or injuries to supervisor immediatelyUse all prescribed personal protective equipmentEnsure GMP’s and safe food handling practices are being followedFollow all GMPs including maintaining personal hygiene, hand washing/sanitizing hands, clean up spillsReport any foreign material findingsAs part of food security, report any unusual people or behaviorSkills, Experience & QualificationsStrong interpersonal and communication skillsSolid quality orientation with experience and understanding of Food Safety principlesKnowledge of GMP and HACCP programs and proceduresSolid computer skills along with excellent analysis, problem assessment, problem solving, attention to detail, and leadership requiredGood oral and written English skillsMust be willing to be a hands on performer and spend at least 80% of the time on the production floorEducation, Technical Qualifications, Experience and Competencies Proficiency LevelRequiredPost Secondary Education in science or related fieldPreferredBachelor of Food Science, Microbiology or Human Ecology PreferredPhysical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The majority of work in the bakery requires employees to stand on their feet for the entire 8-12 hour shiftPhysical demands may also include reaching, bending, walking, lifting (up to a maxiumum of 50lbs) and performing repetitive actionsPlease refer to the PDA for all physical requirements of this positionWork EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This is a 24 hour/ 7 day manufacturing operationThe temperature of the environment within the production area can range from 58 - 80 degrees fahrenheit depending on the departmentThe production areas are often loud, exceeding 85 decibels, due to the machinery that is running; earplugs are required to be worn while in the bakery at all timesWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and extreme coldWe thank each applicant for taking the time and effort to submit your resume, however, only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. Our organization is committed to promoting the independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity of persons with disabilities by ensuring the accessibility of our facilities and services. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants need to make their required accommodations known in advance.