Job Description

Department: Quality
Reports to: Quality Supervisor
Status: Full-time
Continental Night Shift: 6:30 pm – 7:00 am
The pay range for the role is $ 45,500 to $ 75,900 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.
Job Scope:
Reporting to the Quality Supervisor, this position involves ensuring the production process meets superior food safety systems (SQF and HACCP) and quality standards from entry of raw materials into the facility, to the processing of goods, to shipment of finished product.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare samples, media and buffers used for daily analysis
• Perform chemical, microbiological and organoleptic testing of raw ingredients, work in progress and finished products and assess/report results to ensure compliance standards and government regulations
• Generate test results with a high level of accuracy and reliability
• Conduct product testing and complete environmental monitoring
• Conduct COA, raw materials finished product and label verification
• Understand, operate and calibrate all lab equipment (such as scale, thermometer, analyzer, etc.) in accordance with standard operating procedure
• Produce reports for internal and external customers
• Computer data entry of various information for the purpose of releasing products for shipment and maintaining accurate records
• Maintain laboratory equipment and maintain cleanliness within the lab
• Work closely with production staff in the areas of sanitation, hygiene, product quality, GMPs and related necessary training
• Monitor and maintain the Quality, Food Safety and SQF systems
• Has complete authority to stop the manufacture of food if any unsafe conditions are encountered or the quality of the product might be compromised
• Reports to the Quality Manager and/or Supervisor any issues or barriers encountered in the accomplishment of duties above
• Complete tasks in a timely manner
• Maintaining and ordering necessary lab supplies
• Attend prescribed courses/training as required
• Other duties as assigned by Management
Qualifications:
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the food industry
• Bachelor of Science Degree or Diploma in Microbiology or Food Science
• Knowledge of microbiological procedures and autoclaving techniques
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, allergens, and food security
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication and problem-solving skills
• Proficient computer abilities using Word & Excel
• Willing and able to work overtime and weekends when required
Working Environment:
General office and lab conditions, with frequent periods spent in manufacturing facility. Exposure to noise and chemical substances on a regular basis. Occasional exposure to hazardous machines (auto clave), bio-hazardous bacteria and odours.
Physical Demands:
Frequent climbing of stairs and lifting of materials to a maximum of 23 kg. Standing for a continuous length of time. Sitting and walking for a moderate length of time.

Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com.
Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.
Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.
Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.
We are currently accepting applications for this open position.
Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.
Wishing you all the best with your career search!