Quality Controller (Fresh Produce)

About Oppy

Grow Our Tomorrow. Oppy is a leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world. As one of North America’s top produce companies for nearly 165 years, we bring over 100 varieties of produce from 27 countries to 1,300 retailers in North America and throughout the world. As much as agriculture has shaped the past for humankind, Oppy’s efforts shape its future by sustainably providing families with healthy, safe and fresh produce to create a better quality of life for all. Our progressive team is called to a higher purpose that raises the economic wellbeing of families and communities who work the land.

Recognized as one Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 20 years!) and a Top 100 Employer, our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Grow your tomorrow with us, today.

Overview

The Quality Controller performs various product testing and inspection activities, ensuring the highest quality and condition results for retail and grower partners. They play a pivotal role in educating internal departments, customers, and growers about product specifications, providing key feedback and observations. Moreover, they actively contribute to the maintenance of all facilities to optimize product storage, operational efficiency, organization, and cleanliness. Additionally, the Quality Controller establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with both internal and external customers, fostering a collaborative and safe working environment.

Accountabilities

• Conducts thorough inspections of incoming and outgoing products upon arrival at the designated location, ensuring strict adherence to established industry standards, company policies, and procedures.
• Monitors the quality and condition of inventory items, employing diligent rotation practices. Accurately records and documents temperature readings in accordance with company guidelines and protocols.
• Assists in the selection of products for customer shipments, strictly following established quality standards and procedures to minimize shipment errors and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Proactively investigates and resolves any related issues in a timely manner. Collaborates with internal and external contacts to gather pertinent information. Escalates complex problems to the Quality Control Supervisor.
• Prepares detailed condition reports to growers, categories, and sales teams, ensuring regular communication of product conditions.
• Supports repack operations, ensuring the removal of defective products and ensuring that final products meet quality standards.
• Establishes and fosters effective working relationships with warehouse personnel, sales teams, commodity managers, and grower and retail partners.
• Conducts thorough inspections of outbound shipments, verifying the accuracy of product selection and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Actively seeks opportunities to minimize costs and maximize returns, while engaging in process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

• Thorough understanding of relevant food safety systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of product grade standards, methods, and techniques of produce inspection.
• Excellent communication (written & verbal) and customer service skills; ability to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple departments and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships with retail and grower partners, customers, and across the organization.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision, demonstrating integrity and trust in all activities.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills, remaining organized and accurate at all times.
• Ability to work effectively and safely at all times, remaining calm and adhering to protocol in challenging situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues using good judgment and creative thinking.
• Ability to work in a warehouse/cold storage environment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move boxes up to 30kg for inspection purposes safely and routinely.
• Ability to work varied shift types, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to travel as needed to perform inspections offsite at various grower locations.

Required Qualifications

• Degree, diploma, or industry training in a related field is an asset.
• Minimum, 1 - 3 years of quality control experience in a food production, manufacturing, or warehouse environment; direct experience with fresh produce highly preferred.
• USDA and/or CFIA training is an asset.
• HACCP and food safety certification is considered an asset.

Why Oppy?

• We are the perfect size of organization that is still nimble but yet organized, where meaningful impact and contributions happen.
• We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other. We want our people to grow and succeed.
• We believe in you bringing your best true self and your best ideas, because diverse perspectives contribute to better problem solving and solutions in a dynamic and ever evolving industry.
• We support your professional development and health with educational reimbursement and wellness programs.
• We offer a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health, dental & vision coverage, 401k match, tuition reimbursement and benefits.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of quality control experience do you have?
• How many years of fresh produce experience do you have?
• What is your preferred hourly rate range for this position? (ex. $XX.00 - $XX.00)
• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States, and will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (for example, H-1B, TN, or other work authorization)?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Toughkenamon, PA 19374 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person