Food Safety Systems Specialist

About Ya YA Foods: 

Ya YA Foods is a dynamic and high-growth manufacturer of liquid food and unique beverages. With over 30 years’ experience, we have evolved into a versatile manufacturer and co-packer of a variety of low acid and high acid beverage and liquid food items. We are a family-owned Canadian business who prides itself in its proven track record of satisfying the needs of global multi-national customers. We are a solution provider for our customers, always striving to exceed expectations on innovation, quality, service, and speed to market. For further information about us, please check our website at yayafoods.com

A career at Ya YA FOODS will offer you the opportunity to… 

• Build a career, not just have a job
• Work in a dynamic and high-growth company with very skilled professionals
• Become part of a teamwork focused culture 
• Be a part of an organization that supports your future growth path

Reports to: Food Safety Systems Manager

Responsibilities

Coach and assist all departments in understanding and maintaining Food Safety system requirements.

• Update, review, and reassess the company’s Food Safety (HACCP) plan, ensuring it accurately reflects current production processes, risks, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and monitor a detailed deviation log, capturing any food safety or quality issues that arise during production. Identify recurring trends and work with relevant teams to address root causes and implement corrective actions
• Conduct periodic process audits to ensure compliance with internal and external food safety standards. Provide detailed reports and follow-up on audit results to ensure continuous improvement
• Investigate and address customer complaints related to aseptic PET, Hotfill, and Tetra product, identifying potential causes (e.g., microbial contamination, packaging integrity issues) and establish corrective actions to address concerns.
• Oversee and validate CIP processes for PET, Hotfill, and Tetra production equipment, ensuring that cleaning procedures meet food safety standards and are effective in preventing contamination. Perform routine reviews and adjustments to optimize the CIP systems
• Ensure calibration of critical food safety and production equipment (e.g., thermometers, pressure gauges, flow meters) is performed on schedule and meets specified standards. Document calibration activities and any corrective actions
• Support the validation of new or modified production processes and commissioning of new equipment, including thermal processing for high-acid and low-acid beverages. Work with engineering and production teams to confirm that all validated processes are capable of consistently meeting food safety requirements
• Hold regular meetings with Food Safety Team and plant departments to ensure they are aware of internal audit findings, status of the Food Safety System, and changes to the Food Safety System.
• Facilitate and manage frequent communication with senior management, external customers, third party auditors, regulatory and government bodies.
• Observe all Safety rules and promote a safe working environment with team members.
• Maintain strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Compliance with all rules & policies regarding health safety, occupational safety, environmental safety, food safety, legal regulations, company requirements, etc.
• Compliance with the Company's Integrated Management Systems which includes, but is not limited to Production, Quality, Food Safety & GMP.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field is required
• Possess a good knowledge of food safety system (HACCP and other Food safety program certification)
• Prior experience working with low/high acid beverage production is an asset.
• 3-5 years of related work experience is a strong advantage.
• Expertise in thermal processes, electronic historians and ERP systems is a desirable skill.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
• Good knowledge of the food environment, food safety systems and the related regulatory requirements (CFIA, Health Canada, USDA, FDA)
• Excellent computer software proficiency (Microsoft Suite of applications)
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently
• Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions
• NB: Successful candidates will be required to provide photo ID, banking details, a valid SIN number, and (if applicable) a valid work permit

Why Join Us

We believe that the key to creating and growing a successful business is by investing in our people—some of whom have been a part of our team for over 30-years. This is at the core of who we are, what we do, and how we grow our business—as a versatile, automated manufacturer and co-packer of a wide-variety of beverages and liquid food items. In our view, a happy team means a better workforce, a better product, and more satisfied customers. 

Furthermore, we encourage different perspectives and celebrate diversity in our workforce. Where every employee has the opportunity to realize his or her full potential in a working environment that is supportive of everyone. Upon request, we will gladly provide accommodations to any candidate with a disability taking part in the selection process.