Senior Quality Specialist

Company Overview: 

Would you like to be part of a leading-edge company that manufactures sustainable bio-products that positively impact human health and the environment? 

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve the food system using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world. We plan to develop and continually improve upon our unique, patent-protected technologies to become the leader in health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries - but our overarching vision is to go even further. We aspire to repower nature’s pantry to reimagine nutrition and revitalize wellness. 

Mara has grown significantly in the past two years and expects continued expansion going forward. Our success is no accident. It is driven by a world-class research & development team that innovates & develops patented technologies, as well as our ability to lead scale-up capabilities and provide superior product quality. Our highly collaborative team spans Canada and the UK, with headquarters in Dartmouth, NS.

The Position: 

The Senior Quality Specialist at Mara plays a crucial role in ensuring exceptional product quality and adherence to standards throughout production and distribution stages. This position encompasses diverse responsibilities, including direct customer support to meet and surpass expectations, ensuring accountability with suppliers to maintain quality, and oversight of product release and certifications. Effective collaboration with co-manufacturers, clear communication of customer needs, and aiding in quality evaluations are vital aspects of the role. Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for conducting internal and external audits, contributing significantly to change efforts, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance across departments. With a background in scientific or technical fields and extensive experience in quality management in relevant industries, the Senior Quality Specialist is instrumental in upholding the company's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Specific duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited, to the following: 

Product Quality Assurance:

• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance processes to ensure product quality meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
• Conduct thorough quality assessments of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods, including sensory evaluations and analytical testing as needed.
• Collaborate with production teams and co-manufacturers to identify and address quality issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. 

Customer Support: 

• Serve as a point of contact for customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback related to product quality and performance.
• Work closely with customers to understand their quality requirements, provide technical support, and ensure timely resolution of issues. 

 Supplier Management: 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent supply of high-quality raw materials and components.
• Conduct supplier audits and evaluations to assess compliance with quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to qualify new suppliers and monitor ongoing supplier performance. 

 Quality Systems and Compliance: 

• Develop and update quality management systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality documentation to support regulatory compliance and best practices.
• Lead and participate in internal and external audits, including regulatory inspections, and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Stay abreast of regulatory requirements, industry trends, and best practices related to quality assurance and compliance.  

Continuous Improvement: 

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency enhancements related to quality assurance and control.
• In partnership with cross-functional teams, implement continuous improvement initiatives, quality metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement changes, monitor effectiveness, and ensure sustained improvements. 

Required Skills & Experience: 

• Post-secondary degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Applied Food Science, Microbiology, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of dedicated experience in a quality-focused role within industries such as food production, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals.
• Minimum 3 years of experience focusing on strategic engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders such as customers, co-manufacturers, sales and operations departments etc., to adeptly drive and enhance customer satisfaction outcomes.
• 3 years experience with quality auditing, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and risk assessment methodologies.
• 3 years’ experience implementing and maintaining Quality Management Systems. 
• 3 years’ experience releasing products based on laboratory data and managing raw material (RM) documentation. This includes obtaining and maintaining product quality certifications, adeptness in handling suppliers’ complaints, evaluating suppliers, and controlling documents.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing change initiatives across various stakeholders and departments, highlighting the ability to navigate and lead through transformation within the organization.
• Excellent multitasking abilities, capable of managing numerous projects and tasks at once while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Ability to analyze data from various sources to make informed decisions related to product quality and safety.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. 

Preferred Skills & Experience:   

• Certification in quality systems would be considered a strong asset.
• Specific experience with TraceGains software or similar quality management software is highly desirable.
• Experience with sustainability and ESG topics is considered a strong asset. 

What We Offer:   

Mara is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program. 
• RRSP matching program.
• Health Spending Account. 
• Physical Wellness Reimbursement plan. 
• Competitive compensation package
• Paid time-off.
• Opportunities for job related training and professional development. 

At Mara we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mara supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.