Job Description

Job Overview

Since opening in 1984, Van-Whole Produce has remained the leading experts in produce trading by providing high-quality and fresh produce to its clients. With our continuous expansion of client networks, we now provide fresh produce to more than 1,300 produce markets across Canada. To this day, we are still committed to provide personalized attention, value-added service, and provide the highest quality in produce to our clients. We place our customers first by bringing over 400 varieties of fresh produce from over 40 different countries

The QC Lead Hand - Returns & Regrading is responsible for leading the quality control process for returned produce items and overseeing the grading, and sorting of defective or substandard products in a fast-paced warehouse environment. This role ensures all quality assurance protocols are followed, supports the QA team, and reports to the QA Supervisor or QA Manager.

Role and Responsibilities

Lead and support the return and regrading team in daily inspection and sorting of returned and inbound produce. Assess the quality and condition of returned items, identifying defects, spoilage, or non-compliance with product standards. Oversee re-grading activities to ensure accurate grading of produce according to company standards. Complete daily reports, document and report quality issues, trends, and discrepancies to supervisors. Train new team members on inspection standards, safety practices, and proper re-grading procedures. Ensure all quality control procedures are followed and updated as needed. Communicate and cooperate with Quality Assurance and Inventory Control regarding product disposition arrangement (e.g. restock, re-grade, isolation, discard). Provide shift coverage for weekend QA shifts as scheduled or required. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized inspection/re-grading area in accordance with food safety and occupational health standards. Provide hands-on support with inspections and sorting during high-volume periods. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality control processes.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

2+ years of experience in quality control or produce handling in a warehouse or food distribution environment. Prior lead hand or supervisory experience preferred. Strong knowledge of fresh produce standards, grading, and common defects. Ability to train and lead a small team in a physically demanding environment. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Good verbal communication skills; English proficiency and basic Microsoft Office suite knowledge are required. Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in refrigerated environments. Familiarity with food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) is an asset.
Join our team as a Lead Hand and contribute to our commitment to excellence in product quality and operational efficiency!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $22.40-$23.85 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Additional pay:

Overtime pay
Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Dental care Disability insurance Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance Paid time off Vision care
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

8 hour shift Every Weekend Monday to Friday
Experience:

Produce Quality: 1 year (required) Supervising: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person