Gordon Food Service (GFS) Canada group of companies, is seeking a Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance to answer to the growing needs of GFS Specialty Companies across Canada.

The Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance for Specialty Companies leads a team responsible for food safety, quality assurance, and risk mitigation at each manufacturing site (including processed produce, raw protein & seafood, cooked protein). This role develops and implements strategies, policies, systems, procedures, and resources to ensure product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance across all locations. The Director oversees recall programs and regulatory inspections, communicates effectively, and builds relationships with suppliers, operations, transportation, sales, marketing, and customers to meet company objectives. Engages with regulatory agencies and industry associations to influence standards and best practices. Works closely with Senior Leadership, Legal Counsel, and the Corporate Food Safety & Quality teams on risk mitigation and serves as a spokesperson on related issues.

Possible Work locations: Richmond (BC), Edmonton (AL), Calgary (AL), Milton (ON), London (ON), Ottawa (ON) Anjou (QC), Chambly (QC)

Essential Functions:

• Develops strategies, policies, systems, activities, and resources for product quality assurance, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance across Specialty Companies.
• Leads the vision/strategy for quality and food safety technology needs, ensuring alignment with Corporate initiatives.
• Interprets, communicates, and ensures compliance with governmental regulations (CFIA) while meeting business objectives.
• Mitigates food safety risks at manufacturing sites through strategy implementation in collaboration with risk management, internal audit, and operations leadership.
• Oversees food safety assessments, certifications, and audits to maintain regulatory and customer compliance (e.g., GFSI).
• Acts as primary liaison with Legal Counsel to represent and communicate food safety and quality initiatives.
• Conducts quality and food safety risk assessments of acquisitions and oversees their integration into company standards.
• Provides expertise during quality incidents, emergencies, and inspections, acting as primary liaison with government and third-party agencies.
• Keeps updated on new technology and programs impacting food safety and quality.
• Develops strategies for handling food safety incidents and recalls to meet regulations and Corporate expectations.
• Maintains relationships with industry associations to influence regulations and drive necessary changes into company policies.
• Establishes and reports food safety and quality key performance indicators (KPIs); drives improvement plans as needed.
• Develops supplier strategies and internal programs to protect private brand product quality and ensure compliance.
• Sets departmental goals, monitors progress, and ensures timely achievement.
• Develops and manages departmental budget, analyzes variances, and implements productivity improvements.
• Interviews, hires, trains, retains staff, monitors performance, and takes disciplinary action if necessary. Mentors and motivates staff.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• 5 years of experience in an FSQA leadership role.
• 10 years of experience in food safety and quality auditing standards and techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Knowledge of CFIA food regulations.
• Experience with produce, seafood, raw and cooked meat a plus
• Ability to implement continuous improvement.
• Strong business acumen and ability to provide counsel across various organizational levels.
• Industry influence.
• Ability to interpret product and technical specifications.
• Math aptitude and skills in root cause analysis.
• Attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, foster relationships, and build credibility quickly.
• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Leadership abilities and a positive attitude with a commitment to success.

Equipment / Tools / Technology:

• Knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, email and internet software applications.
• Knowledge of Google Applications.
• Knowledge of Warehouse Management / Inventory Control Systems

What We Offer:

• Flexible benefits program including dental, vision, prescription drugs, disability, and extended health coverage
• Company matched retirement program
• Profit Sharing
• In-house certification, training, and career advancement opportunities
• Special employee discounts on all food products
• Employee appreciation events and social club activities all year round
• Positive employee culture and rewards for performance

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for the next stage will be contacted. Fresh Start Foods is an equal opportunity employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to any enumerated or analogous grounds of discrimination, including race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status, sexual orientation or status as a qualified individual with disability.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to:

For Jobs in British Columbia

careers@freshstartfoods.com

For Jobs in Ontario

fsferecruitment@freshstartfoods.com

Use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.