Quality Analyst (Pea Protein)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Quality Analyst is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of products through microbiological, physical, analytical, and sensory testing, on behalf of processing operations for the new Louis Dreyfus Company Pea Protein Isolate ("PPI") Facility that is currently being constructed as part of LDC's processing facility in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada. 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.

Duties and responsibilities include: 

• Manage inventory of laboratory equipment and chemicals using LIMS and/or SAP.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs to validate lab methods.
• Lead/Conduct sensory evaluations for batch release.
• Lead the metrology program for site labs, including control rooms and grading stations.
• Perform microbiological testing using conventional and rapid test methods on finished products, environmental monitoring samples.
• Test potable water and air samples for quality assurance.
• Monitor temperatures of incubators and fridges.
• Maintain laboratory records, including logbooks and computerized systems.
• Oversee autoclave maintenance and ensure sterilization using biological and chemical indicators.
• Log samples into LIMS and/or SAP for traceability.
• Manage retain and shelf-life samples.
• Perform analytical testing for food and feed using AOAC or other applicable accredited methods.
• Inform Quality Supervisor of out-of-spec results and assist in root cause analysis.
• Prepare and sterilize culture media, reagents, solutions, and apparatus, maintaining proper records.
• Conduct ATP monitoring and train production operators for sanitation duties (CIP).
• Maintain laboratory manuals and participate in audits to ensure compliance.
• Ensure proper disposal of biohazardous waste.
• Conduct preventative maintenance on lab equipment and oversee external vendor contracts.
• Utilize PCR and other microbial methods for advanced testing.
• Performs analysis on both food and feed using analytical or wet chemical analysis following AOAC or other accredited methods.
• Manages the retain and shelf-life samples.
• Collaborate with R&D to define minimum protein content and establish supplier premiums for higher protein peas. Logs in samples into LIMS and/or SAP system for traceability purposes.
• Informs Quality Supervisor and Site Quality manager of all out of spec results. Participates in the root cause analysis and issue resolution.
• Help with training panelists on sensory attributes and performs sensory analysis as part of the batch release process.
• Participates in the proficiency testing program to validate methods and laboratory performance.
  
  

Experience

• Must have 3 or more years of previous work experience in a laboratory with experience performing physical chemical/microbiological analysis using instrumentation and wet chemical methods, preferably within food manufacturing.
• Must have post-secondary education in the field of Chemistry, Food science, Microbiology or other related science degree.
• Previous work experience with creating and/or maintaining laboratory manuals, policies, procedures, etc.
• Previous work experience performing preventative maintenance on simple lab equipment is preferred.
• Previous work experience with complex lab equipment (Autoclave, NIR devices, Protein analyzer, Lazer particle size analyzer, bio safety cabinets) also preferred.
• Must have previous audit experience, preferably in QC Laboratory audits with experience ensuring all chemicals used for analytical testing are current and not expired causing false results.
• Must follow safe work practices in the laboratories and workshops, as well as actively communicate all safety concerns to supervisors and managers.
• Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word and SAP).
• Excellent at multitasking and good organizational skills.
• Detailed oriented and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy skills.
• Preferred knowledge of instrumental analysis such as protein analyzer, Particle size analyzer, NIR and UV-Vis spec, and ICP.
• Able to work weekends and after hours when required, as well as work in work environments with varying odors, temperatures, noise, etc.
  
  

Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

• Comprehensive benefits program including extended health care and dental coverage, employee and family assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer contributions and matching
• Paid vacation, paid sick time and paid statutory holidays
  
  

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us