Job Description

The Organization:

Wholesome Kids Catering is a leading childcare catering company whose purpose is to Nourish Lives by providing healthy, delicious, child-friendly meals and snacks to childcare centres and schools. Our talented, skilled and committed staff are passionate about providing healthy food and exceptional 'surprising' service to all of our customers. Tasty, child-focused menus reflect our successful 'Eat Grow Thrive' philosophy, which combines excellent nutrition with flavors and foods children love. We are a growing business committed to becoming the Dominant Brand in our industry always working as trusted partners and living our culture which values integrity and delivering WOW for our customers, co-workers and communities.

The Role:

Reporting to the VP, Operations, the Senior Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance will assess existing Food Safety and Quality protocols, make recommendations and lead initiatives to meet or exceed regulatory, customer, and company standards. This role will define, develop, and deploy a 'food safety first' strategy from raw-ingredient inspection through finished-product delivery. This role builds and develops a high-performing FSQA team, fosters a culture of teamwork and support, and partners with all departments to drive best practices in food safety, quality assurance, and employee training and development. This role has oversight across all product categories that include--fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, and prepared foods

Key Responsibilities:

Design and implement HACCP plans, GMP-compliant quality systems, and Consumer Packaged Goods and/or pharmaceutical inspired validation and change-control processes Partner with Nutritional Services, Procurement, Logistics, Operations, and Customer Success to address quality issues proactively with minimal impact on cost or delivery Track and analyze Cost of Poor Quality across product lines and facilities; drive targeted improvement plans in collaboration with production and product teams Oversee receiving, preparation, cooking, packaging, and distribution to ensure consistent compliance with GFSI, CFIA, FDA, Health Canada, and other regulatory requirements Conduct in-house and field audits, supplier assessments, and regulatory inspections; develop corrective action plans and monitor improvements Support new product launches and rotational menu rollouts with robust Good Manufacturing Practices and QA oversight and supplier quality management Develop and deliver FSQA training programs that incorporate best practices at all levels of the organization Report on quality KPIs, risk mitigation plans, and continuous improvement initiatives to the Senior Leadership Team

Continuous Improvement, Innovation & Expertise:

Makes L3 recommendations based on data and trends for continuous improvement within the scope of their department. Leads change and creates an environment for the team to participate in process improvement initiatives quarterly to support achievement of KPIs. Collaborates with Supervisors, Managers and Directors across multiple functions to implement continuous improvement and change plans within the function or customer facing improvements that support our Dominant Brand strategy. Lead initiative to digitize food safety management systems

Leadership:

Actively lives the Wholesome Values and supports the sales team and others in Wholesome to also actively live the Values. Leads and role models culture with their team through cadence and communication and through Wholesome by leading and participating in culture events. Cultivates a culture of accountability, safety, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance Ensures confidentiality, diplomacy, and tact always. Ensure compliance to legal regulations and company policies. Leads cross-functional teams on special projects and objectives as needed. Manages other tasks and/or special projects as required.

Qualifications & Role Requirements:

7+ years in food safety, quality assurance, or heavily regulated manufacturing environments (preferably meat, seafood, further processed foods, etc.) Proven experience in the protein industry, CPG, and/or pharmaceutical GMP-regulated operations Post-secondary degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field Deep knowledge of SQF/BRC, HACCP, GMP, GMP validation, ISO standards, and regulatory frameworks (CFIA, FDA, Health Canada) Demonstrated ability to implement traceability systems, change-control procedures, and supplier quality management Expertise in creating and reviewing technical documentation: validation protocols, test procedures, project plans, and SOPs Strong analytical skills with a track record of reducing Cost of Quality, returns, and waste Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous-improvement credentials Experience with transitioning FSQA systems to paperless using SAP, Oracle, AuditComply or equivalent is considered an asset Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills Resilient, calm, and decisive in high-stakes, perishable protein operations

Competencies:

Customer Focus:

Demonstrates a strong customer orientation to enhance business performance.*

Change Management:

Embraces change to support and position the business for future success.

Results Focus:

Ensures accountability and commitment to achieve business objectives.*

Motivating Others:

Creates a climate that engages and empowers people to perform at their best.*

Communication:

Expresses information and ideas in a clear and compelling manner*

Decision-Making:

Employs the right mix of analysis and experience to formulate sound judgments.*

Continuous Improvement:

Seeks ways to enhance business and operational efficiencies.*

Digital Literacy:

The ability to discover, evaluate, and use information and technology effectively through various apps and digital tools.

Emotional Maturity:

Demonstrates stress tolerance and composure amidst workplace demands.*

Personal Style:

100% trustworthy with the highest level of integrity. Model and uphold the company's charter and values. Highly driven with the ability to take ownership and responsibility. Highly analytical with a passion for curiosity combined with sound business judgment gained through training and experience. Plays to Win! Respectful of others and self. Hands on with a willingness to roll up sleeves and get involved. A real curiosity about data, trends, business, and processes. Self-aware, with a high degree of emotional intelligence. Low ego. Growth Mindset. Values and seeks feedback from others. Level 3 Thinking. Represents the company in a professional manner.

What's in It for You

Join a company rooted in Delivering WOW through excellence and innovation Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package Career growth opportunities through internal and external programs Recognition programs to celebrate your impact Access to resources for physical and mental well-being Work alongside inspiring leaders and teams who elevate your personal & professional journey



Wholesome Kids Catering is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process, we will work with you to meet your needs. We thank all those applicants who have applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.