Quality Control Manager Jobs in Hamilton, ON (NOW HIRING)

• This position is a contract role from November 1, 2026 March 1, 2028
• Shift Time: 11:00AM-7:30PM

The Quality Control Supervisor/Team Lead is responsible for leading and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Quality Control (QC) department, ensuring that all quality, food safety, and compliance standards are consistently met across laboratory and production operations.

This role is accountable for driving the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of lean quality systems, including standard operating procedures, training programs, and compliance initiatives. The Quality Control Supervisor/Team Lead plays a key role in building a high-performing QC team through effective leadership, coaching, onboarding, and performance management, while maintaining strong alignment with Operations, R&D, Food Safety, and Regulatory functions.

In addition, the role leads critical programs such as hold/release, CAPA management, customer complaint resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen overall quality performance. The Quality Control Supervisor/Team Lead also serves as a backup to the Director of Food Safety and Quality, ensuring continuity of leadership, decision-making, and quality system oversight.

What You Are Responsible For:

Quality Leadership & Team Management

• Oversee daily QC operations, ensuring priorities are managed effectively and workloads are completed on time.
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reporting on QC performance, including KPIs, trends, and key risks, to support senior leadership decision-making.
• Develop, implement, and drive achievement of both individual and process-driven QC KPIs, holding the team accountable for results.
• Manage and report the First Try and Audit Ready KPI program, ensuring accurate monthly metrics are provided to senior leadership for both Quality and Operations.
• Own trend analysis and risk identification using QC data (First Try, Audit Ready, and batch testing), driving proactive decisions and preventive actions.
• Ensure all Cost of Quality KPIs are tracked, maintained, and achieved on a monthly basis.
• Build and maintain a high-performance QC team by hiring, developing, and retaining top talent, fostering a culture focused on excellence and accountability.
• Develop and manage QC staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and productivity; provide backup support and hands-on coverage as needed.
• Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with team members to review performance, provide coaching, and support professional development.
• Lead performance management activities, including goal setting, regular feedback, and disciplinary actions when required.
• Manage onboarding of new QC staff, including structured 30-60-90 day plans, training programs, competency assessments, and integration into team processes and culture.
• Ensure all QC staff are trained, qualified, and periodically re-assessed for competency, maintaining full training compliance and audit readiness.
• Develop bench strength within the QC team, ensuring clear succession planning and cross-training for critical roles.
• Actively foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the QC department.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Ensure all QC processes, standard operating procedures, training materials, and documentation are current, accurate, and audit-ready at all times.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including lean practices and process optimization. Target at minimum of 3 CI projects per year with returns demonstrated through A3 report out.
• Confirm that all laboratory test methods are approved, validated, and aligned with applicable accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all product specifications/recipes, test methods, and quality standards are defined, maintained, and aligned with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Own the development, review, and continuous improvement of a lean Quality Management System (QMS).
• Oversee and ensure effective execution of key QMS programs, including:

• Day-to-day laboratory operations
• Product hold and release program, including control of non-conforming product, leading hold and CAPA investigations. Make timely and risk-based decisions on product hold, release, and disposition, with appropriate escalation to senior leadership when required.
• Laboratory data integrity, specifications, and Certificates of Analysis management
• QC recipe management
• Retain sample and control program
• Expired material management
• Raw material testing program. Partner with Supplier Quality/Procurement to ensure incoming material quality standards are met and supplier-related issues are escalated and addressed effectively.
• Document control and SOP management
• Deviation, non-conformance, and change management processes
• QC training program and proficiency testing
• Laboratory supply management, including Kanban systems
• Third-party laboratory sample submissions and management

• Ensure compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements (CFIA, FDA), and customer expectations.
• Support Food Safety Initiatives and Food Safety culture by being an active member of the Food Safety team.
• Support external audits (BRCGS, customer, regulatory, certification body), ensuring audit readiness and successful outcomes.
• Promote and sustain a strong food safety and quality culture across the organization.
• Oversee the customer complaint program, ensuring all complaints are documented, investigated thoroughly, and resolved in a timely and effective manner.

Other

• Partner closely with Production and Operations to ensure consistent application of quality standards on the production floor.
• Support Operations and Quality in achieving First Try and Audit Ready performance targets.
• Collaborate with R&D on product development, trials, validations, and quality-related troubleshooting.
• Provide real-time support to production teams to resolve quality issues and minimize product holds, rework, and waste.
• Drive strong cross-functional alignment to ensure consistent execution of quality expectations and initiatives.
• Own and optimize QC-related systems (e.g., BC, specdb, DCN, etc), ensuring data integrity, usability, and continuous improvement of digital workflows.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of AI-enabled solutions to enhance efficiency, visibility, and continuous improvement.

What You Need to Bring to Embassy:

• College diploma or university degree in Chemistry, Food Science, or Microbiology.
• 3-5 years of related experience in quality control in a leadership-based role.
• Excellent computer, reporting, and time management skills.
• Proven experience in leading projects or programs.
• Experience in mentoring or training junior staff.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Ability to work under tight timelines and pressure.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when required.

Environmental Conditions

• Production and laboratory environment with exposure to noise, dust, temperature variations, and food ingredients.
• Must consume bakery and flavour ingredients (this involves consuming animal based products and various types of allergens)
• Physical requirements may include standing, walking, and lifting up to 25kg
• This is an on-site position.

This position is for a current vacancy with a compensation range of $65,000-$75,000.

Embassy Ingredients is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities through the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the People and Development Department of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in an Embassy career, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.