Quality Assurance Lead Hand (Monitor)

True North Salmon, a division of Cooke Aquaculture Inc., is a dynamic and growing east coast family company, with Platinum Member status in the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. We have an opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Quality Assurance Lead Hand (Monitor), reporting to the QA Supervisor at our St. George, NB facility.

Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, and South America. Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly skilled and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.

The Role

The Quality Assurance Lead Hand (Monitor) is responsible for daily quality and food safety verification activities on the production floor. This position supports the QA Supervisor by conducting inspections, completing monitoring tasks, verifying compliance with procedures, identifying deficiencies, and communicating corrective actions. The QA Lead Hand acts as the first level of leadership and technical support for QA Technicians

Key Responsibilities:

Quality and Food Safety Monitoring

• Conduct a QA assessment once per week throughout processing operations.
• Complete environmental swabbing programs as scheduled and submit the environmental swab plan to the lab the week prior to swabbing.
• Perform raw material temperature verification activities.
• Complete Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) inspections, one lot per day.
• Monitor compliance with food safety, GMP, HACCP, BRCGS, BAP, and customer requirements.
• Follow up on customer complaints and communicate inspection updates to the INspec Manager when required.
• Complete additional tasks requested by the QAM, RQAM, DQA

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• Participate in Root Cause Analysis investigations for quality, food safety, customer complaint, GMP, environmental monitoring, and documentation-related non-conformances.
• Complete initial fact gathering and evidence collection, including interviews, observations, records review, photographs, and trend analysis.
• Prepare and submit initial RCA documentation using the company's approved Root Cause Analysis template for QA Manager review and follow-up.
• Support the identification of immediate, contributing, and systemic causes using recognized problem-solving tools such as 5 Why Analysis, Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone) Diagrams, and trend reviews.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrence of identified issues.
• Monitor assigned corrective actions and provide verification evidence to the QA Supervisor.
• Escalate repeat, high-risk, regulatory, customer-impacting, or food safety-related findings to the QA Supervisor and QA Manager.

One Point Lesson Development and Training

• Develop and deliver weekly One-Point Lessons (OPLs) for QA Technicians and Production employees based on audit findings, customer complaints, root cause investigations, GMP observations, environmental monitoring results, and quality trends.
• Create simple visual training materials focused on a single critical topic to improve understanding and retention.
• Conduct short coaching sessions to reinforce quality and food safety expectations, inspection methods, documentation requirements, and GMP compliance.
• Maintain records of training topics, attendee participation, and effectiveness verification activities.
• Identify recurring knowledge gaps requiring additional training and communicate recommendations to the QA Supervisor.
• Verify employee understanding through observation, questioning, and follow-up assessments.

Inspections and Verification Activities

• Complete assigned Lead Hand INspec approvals each day.
• Identify non-conformances and initiate corrective actions.
• Conduct monthly inspections, including Pest Control Program and Glass and Brittle Plastic Program inspections.
• Conduct quarterly facility/building inspections (Please use CFIA building inspection S1/S2, while zoning in on one department monthly – in addition to the quarterly inspections).

Maintenance and Continuous Improvement

• Complete bi-weekly facility infrastructure walkthroughs.
• Review maintenance work orders and identify quality-related concerns.
• Develop and submit monthly Priority #1 maintenance and infrastructure concerns to the QA Manager.
• Escalate food safety and quality risks requiring management attention.

Documentation and Administration

• Complete QA staff time sheet verification daily.
• Complete Lead Hand break checklist verification activities a minimum of twice per day.
• Maintain all records accurately and completely.
• Submit corrective action reports to QA Management as required.

Training and Procedural Compliance:

• Review one SOP and one Work Instruction per week.
• Develop and complete knowledge assessment questions based on reviewed procedures.
• Verify QA Technician understanding through verbal questioning.
• Conduct short training sessions on proper methods, forms, and sign-off requirements, and submit hard copies to the QA Manager.
• Report training results and procedural gaps to the QA Supervisor.

Back Up QA Technician

• Complete QA technician tasks when short staffed, or during staff vacations
• Conduct LH duties where practical & provide notice to QA Supervisor/ Manager of tasks that are unable to be completed due to QA Back up duties.

Skills, Qualifications & Attributes:

• Seafood processing or food manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, BRCGS, SFCR, and food safety programs.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to perform inspections and make objective quality decisions.
• Intermediate computer and documentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to following and promoting all QA and Health & Safety regulations.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a high‑demand, deadline‑driven setting.
• Professional, respectful, and supportive demeanor toward colleagues.
• Ability to remain calm and level‑headed in all situations.
• Willingness to perform micro testing as required.
• Alignment with and respect for the Company’s mission and values.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a seafood processing plant and QA support environment.
• Ability to work a Continental Night Shift schedule, with shifts beginning at 5:00 PM, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as operationally required.
• Regular presence on the production floor, processing lines, inspection areas, and refrigerated or wet environments is required.
• Exposure may include loud noise, slippery surfaces, water, cleaning chemicals, cold temperatures, and fish processing by-products.
• Standing, walking, inspecting product and equipment areas, and completing documentation are routine parts of the role.
• Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

*Cooke offers full time year round employment and competitive rates.

Benefits Package:

• Health Benefits: Includes coverage for dental, vision, and extended medical care.
• Insurance: Life and disability insurance provided for financial security.
• SupportServices: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Planning: Opportunity for RRSP matching to support your retirement savings.
• Wellness: Wellness programs.
• Career Development: Professional growth opportunities and avenues for advancement.
• Perks: Employee discounts on company products or services.

* As per company policy, a clear result from a pre‑employment criminal background check is required.

The Opportunity

The role description is just one part of the story. This is an opportunity to grow, to stretch, to work within the parameters of the role but stretch to your fullest potential. We are a team that counts performance, we reward contribution, and we recognize talent. It is about being at the center of the fastest growing company in New Brunswick and knowing you are part of that growth. The ability to bring your passion for learning, desire for growth, and energy for moving your career forward is what we offer.

The Why

Why Cooke? Simple - we are a company that rewards initiative, resourcefulness, and work ethic. We will champion your growth and provide you with the platform to create your path, your career, and your future.

NOTE: The recruiter is reviewing and interviewing eligible applicants for this position as they are received. If you are interested in this posting, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

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