Quality Analyst, Temporary ; Pea Protein

Quality Analyst, Temporary 18 Months (Pea Protein)

• Full-time
• Years of
  
  Work Experience:
  
  5 - 8

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

The Quality Analyst will be part of the QA and Food Safety leadership team with LDC’s new Pea Protein Isolate Facility in Yorkton, and is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of products through microbiological, physical, analytical, and sensory testing. This role includes environmental monitoring, method validation, equipment calibration, and collaboration with R&D to define product specifications. The Quality Analyst plays a critical role in maintaining food safety standards and ensuring product consistency.

• Lead microbiological testing of finished products, potable water, air samples, and environmental monitoring swabs for indicators/pathogenic organisms including Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens) using conventional, rapid, and PCR-based assays.
• Evaluate Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) results to identify trends and proactively address contamination risks.
• Conduct sensory analysis of ready-to-eat products using reference standards and train staff on sensory evaluation techniques. Collaborate with Plant Operations and R&D teams to troubleshoot root causes of sensory deviations. Monitor, trend, and report data fluctuations that may impact product sensory quality as part of the batch release process.
• Lead batch release decisions using integrated results from analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing.
• Execute positive release protocols and initiate product hold procedures when out-of-spec results or quality concerns arise, triggering inspection and cross-functional review.
• Assist with commissioning process of new facility, which includes but is not limited to policy implementation and management, etc.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to manage shelf-life programs, performing longitudinal analysis to validate product stability over time.
• Manage inventory of product samples, laboratory equipment and chemicals using LIMS and/or SAP.
• Lead the metrology program for site labs, including control rooms and grading stations.
• Develop and optimize test methods for the QC laboratory, ensuring methods are validated for accuracy, repeatability, specificity, and robustness.
• Oversee autoclave maintenance and ensure sterilization using biological and chemical indicators.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for foreign material across multiple control measures. Applied HACCP principles to identify optimal mitigation strategies for contaminants at critical control points.
• Conduct formal verification and validation of physical hazard control systems:
  • Metal Detectors:
    Perform challenge testing using calibrated test pieces to confirm detection thresholds across product matrices.
  • Magnets:
    Validate magnetic flux density and efficacy of retention under production conditions using Gauss meters.
  • Sieves:
    Execute mesh integrity testing and evaluate separation performance against product specifications.
• Perform analytical testing for food and feed using AOAC or other applicable accredited methods.
• Participate in development of testing procedures and QFS considerations related to run time extension exercises.
• Communicate with onsite Management and LDC Plant Proteins R&D team for the implementation of new product SKU's. This will require providing expertise and exercising judgement in the testing procedures related to the new process required for the implementation of new SKU's.
• Audit food safety documentation including inspection logs, CCP monitoring records, and corrective action reports for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory alignment (e.g., FSMA, GFSI, CFIA).
• Deliver food safety orientation and GMP training to new hires and cross-functional teams, reinforcing hygiene, sanitation, and CCP awareness.
• Conduct GMP audits across production and laboratory areas, identifying non-conformities, documenting findings, and initiating CAPA processes.
• Draft detailed CAPA documentation with root cause analysis, containment actions, corrective measures, and preventive strategies; ensure timely communication and implementation across departments.
• Provide after-hours guidance to operations personnel on food safety deviations, urgent lab results, and resolution of production-floor food safety issues in real time.
• Inform Quality Supervisor of out-of-spec results and assist in root cause analysis.
• Swab, monitor and trigger CIP as well as initiate…