Qa & Food Safety Lead

Purpose:

The QA & Food Safety Lead will be the principal driver of the national restaurant & ingredient quality and food safety agenda for 622 restaurants within the KFC Canada system and 71 suppliers. The role works closely with the operations, supply chain, development, marketing and training teams to improve restaurant quality and drive food safety awareness.

Responsibilities: (includes but not limited to)

• Manages the ingredient & product quality program by - Reviewing product evaluations and analyzing patterns themes and trends, Actively works on continuous improvement and corrective action plans based on those evaluations, Managing the 3rd party vendor executing the product evaluation program, Managing the internal restaurant product quality complaint system (QA Hotline)
• Conducts in-restaurant visits as required
• Attends plant trials and production of new ingredients as required
• Works collaboratively with supply chain partners to ensure efficiency, minimize waste and improve profitability without compromising quality and food safety
• Works collaboratively with Training & Restaurant Excellence team to develop national training for food safety, core products and quality initiatives
• Leads recall and withdrawal activity for the brand as required
• Reports food safety and quality performance of the brand and provides recommendations to Operations & Leadership team
• Manages the supplier food safety/quality auditing program as well as the 3rd party vendor that executes the audits on behalf of KFC Canada
• Manages 3rd party pest control and chemical vendors that provide support to restaurants
• Drives continuous improvement and manages supplier performance (over 70 suppliers) for products and categories including (but not limited to) poultry, packaging, dairy products, fresh produce, dessert, flour and grain-based products and beverages for KFC
• Actively participates in interdisciplinary taskforce meetings
• Leads the food safety agenda for field product testing, development of new suppliers, reviews and signs-off on restaurant procedures for food safety, wholesomeness and regulatory compliance
• Actively collaborates and contributes to KFC global food safety, quality programs and crisis management

Key Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task several priorities
• Training in HACCP, GMPs, Auditing, Microbiology
• Excellent interpersonal relationship development skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and in a team environment
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Minimum of eight (8) years food industry QA experience in a manufacturing or retail sector, or equivalent experience
• Post Secondary Degree in Science and/or Microbiology (Food Science considered an asset)
• Experience with multiple commodities such as poultry and produce considered an asset
• Familiarity with the Canadian Packaging & Labeling Act, Canadian Weights & Measures, Food & Drug Act, CFIA Meat Inspection Act, general CFIA & Health Canada guidelines, GFSI schemes, Animal Welfare requirements
• Experience in managing quality systems (supplier approval, traceability/recall, HACCP, consumer complaints, audit)
• Some travel is required (10- 15% of travel)
• Proficient in MS Office (particularly Excel).

Benefits:

• Bonus programs that include annual performance
• Hybrid work model
• Education reimbursement for employees
• Life insurance, disability and wellness programs
• Retirement savings programs including RRSP and DPSP with employer contribution
• Paid Vacation days plus additional YUM! paid holidays
• EAP Programs available to family as well Comprehensive benefits package
• Employee referral program

What makes KFC a great place to work?

Our People. We invest in people capability above all else, with a proven track record of developing internal talent to leadership levels across the business both in Canada and globally. We want people with smart, heart, and courage that have the opportunity to not just make an impact today but to become leaders of the future.

Our Culture. We are known for a culture that rewards and recognizes great effort, big or small, and providing the work-life balance that is so important to staying inspired and engaged. We don`t just say it, we mean it – every Friday is a half day at KFC Canada! We will focus on your personal development as much as your professional development to ensure you can bring your best self to work.

KFC, part of Yum! Brands, is the world's most popular chicken chain and every day, we serve more than 12 million customers in more than 45,000 restaurants around the world. Our commitment to great food and service is the same commitment Colonel Harland Sanders had when he founded the concept more than 55 years ago, and that's why KFC remains the worldwide leader in the category.