The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist, internally referred to as Auditor, is accountable for all depot quality assurance activities ensuring that product that is shipped to stores meets all internal SLA’s for product integrity and billing accuracy.  The QA Specialist will develop comprehensive operational SOP’s leveraging industry best practices that address all processes from receipt, storage, selection, pallet building, and containerization of inventory.  The QA Specialist will also be accountable for developing and conducting operational and SOP compliance audits at each of our depots in Florida including performing weekly inventories.  This role will also directly support the corporate initiative to reduce inventory shrink. This role will be very hands on and based in a temperature-controlled environment, ranging from -15 to 36 degrees.  

Joining The North West Company International (NWCI) gives you the opportunity for growth and development throughout the company, an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package, and to be part of a dynamic and diverse culture.

NWCI is a leading retailer to under-served rural communities and urban neighborhood markets in the following regions: Northern Canada, Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Our stores offer a broad range of products and services with an emphasis on food. Our value offer is to be the best local shopping choice for everyday household and local lifestyle needs. Check out northwest.ca for more information.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with Reefer Manager in establishing SOP’s and operational compliance for monitoring depot inventory.
  • Work with Reefer Manager to develop quality assurance policies and procedures.
  • Identify and make recommendations for improved inventory handling processes and procedures.
  • Review and analyze system requirements for accurate reporting.
  • Generate logs to document supply chain issues and identify root cause issues and corrective actions required.
  • Effectively communicate errors and report item issues to Category Managers, Depot Manager I/II and Supply Chain staff to provide possible resolutions.
• Maintains Inventory Integrity in Florida depots at all times.
  • Develop effective partnerships with internal staff, 3PL service providers, and corporate staff to facilitate problem solving and resolution of issues
  • Take leadership in implementing quality assurance guidelines for better inventory management and control.
  • Document quality assurance activities with internal reporting and audits
  • Assess and report on quality of product from time of receipt to shipping and monitor against SLA’s.
  • Responsible for making sure of the adherence of FIFO (first in, first out) with all warehouse employees.
  • Ensure quality assurance procedures are followed, including product rotation and cycle counts
  • Ensure that procedures addressing possible theft of product are followed and adhered to.
  • Ensure all products leave in good condition.
  • Make sure no loads leave with any missing or extra product.
  • Establish a zero tolerance relationship for procedural failure with 3PL partner, not limited to but including pallet build, wrap and audit.
• Audit, investigate and report on a weekly basis inventory adjustments to support inventory shrink initiative.
  • Investigate and provide detailed findings of store complaints/discrepancies.
  • Manage the nonconformance program including deviations, root-cause analyses and correction/preventative actions. May require leading investigations and/or writing investigation reports for other departments
  • Verify the accuracy of store adjustments relative to depot inventory handling.
  • Explore reasons for inventory adjustments and present a solution to reduce these adjustments.
  • Submit detailed Excel or Word weekly summary report of all findings performed and recommendations for correcting any issues.
  • Identify training needs and make recommendations on training interventions to meet quality standards.
  • Evaluate receiving processes for accuracy and integrity of product being received into the depots.  Perform inspections and analysis on incoming product, record the results, and report any discrepancies.
  • Review code dating issues at the reefer warehouse and UPC integrity for scanning at the store level on new products.
• Participate in the preparation needed for the Biannual Depot inventories.  Perform system and physical audits in support of this process.
  • Run reports in Retek and Impromptu to determine inventory levels are at accurate levels.  Make sure all adjustments have been recorded accurately to support inventory integrity
  • Audit high cost inventory items for accuracy at each depot

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 5 or more years in Quality Assurance, or Food Warehousing/Supply Chain Management required
• Quality inspection, auditing and testing experience a plus
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Detailed and process oriented and possess critical thinking skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Strong user of computer systems with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work well on their own or within a team
• Self-motivated to work quickly and efficiently managing all deadlines and targets within time limits
• Ability to quickly adapt to new working environments, situations, and cultures
• Experience with material moving equipment (pallet jacks, forklifts, etc.) a requirement
• Valid forklift qualifications an asset
• Bachelor’s or an associate degree in administration, retail, merchandising, supply chain or any related field of study is an asset.  The equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Prefer direct experience in a Quality Assurance Field
• Knowledge of Six Sigma processes and principles helpful
• Prefer individual that has worked in the Food Warehousing or Food Supply Chain Management

Working Conditions:

• Work in office and warehouse environment
• Ability to work in varying conditions from heat to cool as well as -10 degrees F
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and carrying will be required throughout the course of a normal day.  Must be able to carry 50 lbs.
• Fast paced office environment
• Able to sit or stand in one place for long periods of time
• Open area office environment

Location: Port Everglades, FL
Work Schedule:  The schedule for this role will be overnights and over the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights 6:00pm-4:00am or until the work is completed)
Reports to: Depot Manager I

NOTE: If an existing employee is selected for a posted position they will be required to remain in that position a minimum of one year prior to applying for other posted positions unless authorized by their current supervisor. New employees to the company must also remain in their position a minimum of one year prior to applying for posted positions unless authorized by their supervisor. This position adheres to the Corporate Job Posting Guidelines.

A competitive salary is being offered along with opportunities to learn, develop and advance throughout the organization. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.