Technician, Quality Assurance

Company Name: Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd.

Location: Windsor, ON, Canada

Hiram Walker and Corby’s portfolio of owned brands include some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including JP Wisers, Canadian Whisky, Lamb's Rum, and Polar Ice Vodka.   Corby distributes leading Pernod Ricard international brands such as ABSOLUT Vodka, Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Ballantine’s Scotch Whiskies, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Malibu Rum, Kahlua Liqueur, Mumm Champagne, Jacob's Creek, Wyndham Estate and Stoneleigh wines.  An overview of the entire Corby portfolio shows over 5,000,000 cases sold annually, with Corby being a significant importer of wines and having an approximate 21 percent market share of spirit sales in Canada.  

We were named one of Canada’s Best Workplaces for 7 years by The Great Place to Work® Institute Canada, based on employee survey results and an audit of workplace excellence and people management practices. 

Working here is all about igniting conviviality in all that we do. Derived from the French word convivialité, it means human connection, authenticity, friendly, and jovial. We are in the business of creating moments that matter, starting with how we work! Let your ambition lead you toward outstanding opportunities with progressive rewards. For insight on our heritage please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaXS-oxdU5U&feature=player_embedded  

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Technician is in place to perform indepth trend analysis on operations site quality specific issues and supplier quality performance issues.

The Quality Assurance Technician will be the key driver in completing investigations in response to production issues, supplier defects and consumer complaints. This position will liaison with operations to conduct root cause analysis into ongoing issues and implement corrective actions.

This role will support internal and external customers through timely analysis and reporting of raw materials, work in process, finished and waste products as well as customer complaints. Partner with operations to improve outputs. Provide analytical support during new commercial projects. Committed to achieving excellence in quality, health and safety, the environment and product safety

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance of Occupational Health & Safety Act (section 25, 26, 27, and 28) per Hiram Walker & Son’s Ltd Policy- Management-Supervision-Worker Safety Responsibilities.
• Quality Assurance - Analytical
  • Analyze raw materials, blends, and finished products to support production in Distillery, Drain and Fill, Blending, Bulk and Finished Goods.
  • Advanced analytical technique in instrumentation with strong skills in analytical/wet chemistry and microbiology, along with data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
  • Analytical method development, optimization, and validation.
  • Working knowledge of all quality lab test methods and instrument operations.
  • Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, and certification of all lab equipment.
  • Manage daily organoleptic sensory program, train new panelists.
• Continuous Quality Improvement
  • Gather quality data related to materials and finished goods for trend analysis and quality improvement. Participate in quality improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing Techniques.
• Supplier Quality
  • Support the implementation of continuous improvement and supplier quality assurance activities in concert with operational initiatives to improve operational efficiency and quality. Be a resource for participation in activities to promote continuous quality improvement with suppliers.
• Performance Measurement
  • Track metrics associated with key performance indicators for department and plant quality on a week, monthly and quarterly basis.
• Quality Assurance Maintenance and Improvement
  • Identify and participate in the implementation of quality improvement opportunities. Drive continuous improvement of product quality and supplier service and delivery to support improvements in operations efficiency.
• Internal Customer Partnership, Communication, and Service
  • Manage and collaborate proactively with department stakeholders to ensure early involvement in quality related supply and operations issues.
• Cross-trained on the Quality Assurance Technician responsibilities.
• Work in a fast-paced packaging plant, supporting production of finished products.
• Perform internal calibrations and troubleshooting on critical lab instruments.
• Set up analytical testing procedures for new products and ingredients.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Professional experience in manufacturing food and beverage industry, and/or a bottling manufacturing environment is considered an asset.
• Strong Self-Motivation and Results Driven.
• Strong Influencing, Partnering, and Communication Skills at multiple levels and disciplines.
• Excellent Problem Solving, Root Cause Analytical, and Detail Skills.
• ISO 9001 and ISO 22000.
• Shift work and overtime in support of the production schedule.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Quality role.

Education

• Degree/College specializing in lab science, food and pharmaceutical technology/Chemical Technology
• Degree- Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry

Financial Responsibility

Participates in goal setting and accountable for own, limited budget for asset administration and goals. Operates in predetermined limits.

We welcome and encourage applications from individuals from all groups, including aboriginal, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed, family status, national origin, age, and gender.  

We welcome and encourage applications from individuals from all groups, including Indigenous, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed, family status, national origin, age, and gender.    

Pernod Ricard and its Canadian Affiliates Corby Spirit and Wine Limited, and Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. are committed to providing accessible employment practices.  Should you require accommodation during any phase of the recruitment process or wish to view our accommodation policies, please contact the Human Resources Department at Accessibilty.Canada@pernod-ricard.com.  For Ontario Applicants, our practices are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

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