Search conducted by Placemaking 4G at p4g.ca on behalf of Nova Agri Inc.
We actively encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and newcomers to Canada. As a member of an equity-deserving group, we invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume and express your pronouns if you wish.
We collaborate closely with the P4G search team because they are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you. This partnership ensures that your information is handled with sensitivity and respect.
A nationally recognized Leader in the Canadian agri-food industry, Nova Agri Farms (including the Country Magic brand) has more than 2,500 acres in the bountiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Our primary crops grown for both domestic and export markets include onions and high-bush blueberries. We pack and market these and other fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, beans, potatoes and grape tomatoes to the Atlantic provinces, North Eastern USA, Europe and the Caribbean. We are pleased to pack branded and private labels for major retailers across Canada.
We choose to live and work in the communities where we farm.
We believe it is important to be good stewards of our people, our environment, and our communities. Our team is proud of the communities they come from and actively gives back to show their appreciation. The team at Country Magic gives back to the community through charitable donations, academic scholarships, providing produce to local food banks and support to our local communities that put on events that benefit the communities we farm in.
At Nova Agri Inc., we believe our people are at the core of our magic and what we do. We understand that quality products and outstanding customer service can only be delivered by employees who care enough to go the extra mile for our customers.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for leading Nova Agri's food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and Occupational Health & Safety programs across the Nova Agri Group of Companies.
This role ensures our products consistently meet customer expectations, legislative requirements, and industry-leading standards while fostering a culture where quality, safety, and continuous improvement are embedded in everything we do.
As the organization's subject matter expert in food safety and quality, you will oversee quality assurance systems, CanadaGAP certification, supplier quality programs, internal audits, documentation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll also provide leadership and mentorship to technicians while partnering with leaders across the organization to strengthen quality, safety, and operational excellence.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on execution and who wants to make a lasting impact on one of Atlantic Canada's leading agri-food organizations.
- Lead Nova Agri's food safety and quality assurance programs across all operations.
- Lead quality assurance strategies and continuous improvement initiatives for products, services, and operational processes.
- Promote a culture where quality and food safety are shared responsibilities across the organization.
Champion best practices and encourage teams to incorporate quality methodologies into their daily work.
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- Maintain and continuously improve quality management systems, policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Monitor QA system performance and provide reporting, metrics, and recommendations to the senior leadership team.
- Create and maintain effective document control processes.
- Ensure compliance with customer requirements and applicable local, national, and international legislation and standards.
Stay informed of industry trends, regulatory changes, and export market requirements and recommend operational improvements as needed.
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- Lead the CanadaGAP certification process across the Nova Agri Group of Companies.
- Plan and conduct internal quality audits to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
- Act as the primary contact during customer and certification audits while coordinating corrective actions.
Develop and oversee supplier quality programs, including audits, evaluations, and performance monitoring.
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- Support new product development through quality planning and risk management.
- Apply continuous improvement tools such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
Develop and monitor quality metrics, testing programs, and performance indicators.
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- Review and strengthen Nova Agri's Occupational Health & Safety programs, committees, and initiatives.
Partner with leadership to support a safe workplace and promote continuous improvement in workplace health and safety practices.
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- Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to technicians with the goal of expanding their responsibilities over time.
- Build collaborative relationships across operations, production, sales, customers, suppliers, and government agencies.
- Identify quality-related training needs and support employee development.
Maintain awareness of operational priorities, budgets, and overall business performance when making quality-related decisions.
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University degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Science, Business, or another related field.
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- Minimum five years of experience leading quality assurance systems within food manufacturing, agriculture, produce, or a related industry.
Experience leading audits and certification programs such as CanadaGAP is considered a strong asset.
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- Strong understanding of quality assurance methodologies, risk management, product testing, control plans, and quality metrics.
- Experience developing and maintaining quality documentation and audit programs.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is considered an asset.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
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We're looking for someone who:
- Leads with integrity, accountability, and sound judgment.
- Is highly organized, analytical, and detail-oriented.
- Communicates confidently with customers, suppliers, regulators, and internal teams.
- Builds strong relationships across departments and external partners.
- Is comfortable influencing others and leading change.
- Balances strategic thinking with practical execution.
- Thrives in a dynamic environment where priorities shift with the season.
- Enjoys coaching and developing others.
Travel: Some travel will be required
Benefits & Perks:
Nova Agri Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, health, and dental coverage effective for all full-time employees three months after starting employment. Employees are also offered life and accident insurance, a long-term disability program, and a group savings and retirement program.
What to Expect
Hiring processes often reflect systems that don’t work for everyone. At Placemaking 4G, we believe recruitment should be relational and affirming. We’re working with the organization to ensure candidates are respected, informed, and supported throughout.
- We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
- If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
- Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organizational representatives.
- Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity (virtual or in-person).
- P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.
Application Details
Please include a cover letter that speaks to your experience and offers a glimpse of your personality.
Don’t be generic. Be yourself.
Have questions about the role?
Reach out to the Lead Placemaker at P4G to learn more.
