About the role

QA Team Lead overseeing Nestlé Canada’s Toronto food manufacturing laboratory. Leading testing, food safety, audits, traceability, and laboratory staff development.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee daily operations of the Quality Assurance Laboratory, including sensory, microbiological, allergen, and analytical testing.
Ensure compliance with quality, food safety, regulatory, and workplace safety requirements.
Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory team members through training, technical guidance, performance feedback, and support.
Ensure testing methods, laboratory procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety standards are consistently followed.
Manage allergen control and food safety programs, including policy administration, risk assessments, investigations, training, vendor and material evaluations, and corrective and preventive actions.
Lead traceability and recall readiness activities, including mock recalls, material and product traceability, documentation, and compliance verification.
Maintain and continuously improve quality management systems, training records, procedures, standards, quality metrics, investigations, and documentation.
Plan, coordinate, and support internal and external audits.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, support change management, conduct shop floor quality observations, and drive quality and continuous improvement.
Provide backup support for product release, laboratory testing, food safety programs, quality investigations, and other QA functions.
Report directly to the Quality Assurance Manager and provide key support during the Manager’s absence.

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Quality Assurance, or a related scientific discipline.
3+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Quality Control, or Laboratory Operations within a manufacturing environment.
Previous supervisory or people leadership experience, including coaching, training, and performance management of technical teams is required.
Strong knowledge of quality management systems, laboratory operations, traceability, allergen management, and food safety compliance.
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and provide operational support outside standard business hours when required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with working knowledge of Power BI for data analysis, reporting, and presentation development.
Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred: experience within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or food and beverage production environments.
Preferred: working knowledge of FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, HACCP, GMP, and internal or external audit processes.
Preferred: experience leading continuous improvement initiatives and driving quality excellence within a manufacturing environment.

Excellent training and development programs, with opportunities for growth within the company.
Up to 50% off Nespresso coffee machines, capsules, and accessories.
Access to company discount stores offering Nestlé, Nespresso, and Purina products at various Nestlé offices and sites.
Additional discounts on a variety of products and services offered through preferred vendors and partners.
Equal-opportunity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility commitment.
Recruitment accommodations available upon request.