Job Type: Full Time / Permanent
Location: Guelph, ON
Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you!
At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!
Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?
It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.
You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!
We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.
We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.
We have competitive compensation and benefits
Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!
What we are looking for
The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for the development and use of analysis, measurement, and quality tools to ensure quality in all facets of the farm. This role will be a leader in building food safety culture and a key player in our commitment to producing safe, quality food.
What you will be doing
Quality Management System: Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements.
Food Safety Management Programs: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Food Safety Management Programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., SQF, HACCP, CFIA). Review and verify HACCP and SCARF documentation including CCP monitoring records, production records, shipping and receiving records, sanitation records, pre-shipment records.
Leadership: Lead and manage the QA technicians, provide guidance, coach and support to ensure effective deliverables of the team. Act as a member of the farm leadership team.
Continuous Improvement: Develop and lead continuous improvement initiatives in food safety, ensuring the highest standards of product quality and safety are met. Actively participate in the identification of gaps in our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work in collaboration with the operations team & human resources to build and implement as needed.
Quality Control: Oversee the quality control process, including inspection and testing procedures, ensuring products meet established specifications and standards. Complete trending and analysis of shelf life, KPIs & GMPs. Collect samples for micro analysis for all products produced during the shift. Perform pre-operational inspections on production lines.
Food Safety Incident Management: Investigate food safety incidents, including product recalls, contamination, or safety breaches. Implement corrective and preventive actions to address root causes and minimize risk. Monitor and recognize food safety issues and follow through Hold and Release program as it applies to raw materials and/or finished products. Perform food safety assessments as required.
Audits and Inspections: Conduct internal audits of food safety practices to identify areas of improvement, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and quality standards. Address any non-compliance issues and implement corrective actions. Lead and participate in SQF annual audit.
Hazard Analysis & Risk Assessment: Lead the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles and risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards. Analysis and interpretation of microbiological testing and follow-up actions relating to food safety. Assist in HACCP reassessment activities including but not limited to verification and validation of CCP’s, labels, and pre-requisite programs.
Regulatory Compliance: Follows and comply with all GoodLeaf Farms, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Provincial and Company Health and Safety standards and Company Safe Quality Foods standards and guidelines. Ensure that all food safety policies and practices are in full compliance with local, provincial, and federal food safety regulations and standards and industry standards, regulations, and certifications (CFIA, etc.), ensuring the organization’s products and services meet these requirements.
Training and Development: Provide training and guidance to team members on quality and food safety standards, procedures, and best practices. Foster a quality-driven culture throughout the organization. Ensure that all employees are well-informed and adhere to food safety policies.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and maintain quality reports, documentation, and records. Provide regular updates on quality and food safety performance metrics to senior management. Maintain detailed records of food safety audits, inspections, training sessions, corrective actions, and compliance reports.
Customer Feedback and Issue Resolution: Manage customer complaints related to product quality, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions to resolve issues effectively.
Supplier Quality Management: Evaluate and monitor supplier performance, ensuring that raw materials and components meet quality and food safety standards and specifications. Perform incoming raw materials testing and finished product testing. Testing knowledge includes pH, titration, micro sampling, temperature measurements, etc.
Laboratory operations: Oversee and manage lab operations and ensure adherence to safety protocol. Conduct microbiological and pathogenic testing of leafy greens. Ensure accurate testing, analyze results and recommend improvements. Maintain lab equipment and consumables including purchasing necessary equipment, taking inventory, timely calibrations and servicing.
All other duties as assigned
Must have’s
Post-secondary education in food science, microbiology, or related field of study.
Proven experience (5+ years) in food safety or quality assurance roles, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, standards, and best practices (e.g., HACCP, CFIAI).
Certification in HACCP required.
Experience with the proper and safe handling of pathogens.
Working knowledge of various analytical instruments.
Active SQF certification.
QA or QC experience in food manufacturing considered an asset.
Experience in operating MDS and HACCP/Food Safety training is considered an asset.
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify potential risks and resolve issues proactively.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to lead training sessions, collaborate across teams, and interact with regulatory bodies.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to foster and maintain positive business relationships, natural leadership abilities
GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
