Quality Control Lead

About Oppy

Grow Our Tomorrow.Oppy is a leading grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce from around the world. As one of North America’s top produce companies for nearly 165 years, we bring over 100 varieties of produce from 27 countries to 1,300+ retailers in North America and throughout the world. As much as agriculture has shaped the past for humankind, Oppy’s efforts shape its future by sustainably providing families with healthy, safe and fresh produce to create a better quality of life for all. Our progressive team is called to a higher purpose that raises the economic wellbeing of families and communities who work the land.

Recognized as one Canada’s Best Managed Companies (for the last 20 years!) and a Top 100 Employer, our diverse team of dedicated professionals collaborate and make connections across our locations throughout North and South America. We owe our success to our adaptability, innovative and entrepreneurial approach, our commitment to our people, and the incredible relationships we build. We are looking for talented people who love a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can grow your skills and career in a sector with abundant opportunity. Grow yourtomorrow with us, today.

Overview

The Quality Control Lead oversees the quality assurance activities for their assigned region, ensuring all products meet Oppy’s specifications and customer expectations. This includes coordinating inspections, overseeing product allocations, pack programs and reconditioning processes. They serve as a key liaison between internal teams, growers, service providers, and customers, delivering timely communication and actionable feedback to maintain high standards of service and satisfaction. In addition to monitoring product condition, the Quality Control Lead educates stakeholders on quality specifications, trends, and issues, helping drive informed decisions and continuous improvement. The role also contributes to the maintenance and organization of facilities, ensuring optimal product storage, operational efficiency, and compliance with food safety and audit requirements. By fostering strong, collaborative relationships and adapting to the demands of a fast-paced, dynamic environment, the Quality Control Lead plays a critical part in delivering consistent, high-quality results for Oppy’s partners and customers.

Important Consideration: This position may require supporting quality control operations at another domestic location, such as Oceanside, California, for up to 2-4 months each year. Temporary relocation would be planned and agreed upon in advance, typically during peak seasonal periods, to meet business needs and ensure operational continuity.

Accountabilities

Supports the management of day-to-day quality control operations in accordance with company standards. Manages damaged products, working to minimize costs and maximize returns.

Assists the Regional Quality Control Manager in coordinating the daily tasks and responsibilities of all inspectors. Ensures accurate time recording and the timely completion of tasks and projects.

Oversees customer orders prior to shipping, following established standards and procedures to minimize shipment errors and maximize customer satisfaction.

Maintains information within Optimo, ensuring report accuracy and updating customer accounts in a timely manner. Produces reports in accordance with deadlines and established policies and procedures.

Works with government inspectors to ensure compliance with all CFIA regulations.

Liaises with quality control, operations, and sales teams to ensure orders meet customer requirements, and mitigates or resolves issues quickly and effectively.

Supports the sales team with order delivery and the management of major retail accounts, ensuring efficient and timely communication between departments.

Prepares for shipment arrivals and participates in slotting activities in line with established procedures.

Oversees inventory accuracy and rotation practices, including verifying stock counts, monitoring condition, and addressing discrepancies with warehouse and operations teams.

Monitors rejection rates against annual targets, implementing corrective actions and process improvements to achieve or exceed performance goals.

Assists various departments with activities such as event planning, providing customer samples, and preparing for external customer visits.

Promotes and contributes to a positive and cooperative working environment.

Required Knowledge & Abilities

Thorough understanding of relevant food safety systems such as HACCP, ISO, and BRC management systems.

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Knowledge of product grade standards, methods, and techniques of produce inspection.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues using sound judgment and creative thinking.

Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver excellent customer service and work effectively across multiple departments and with external stakeholders.

Proven ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with retail and grower partners, customers, and cross-functional teams.

Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to exercise independent judgment in time-sensitive situations.

Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment while maintaining accuracy.

Highly motivated and able to work with minimal supervision, demonstrating integrity, trust, and accountability in all activities.

Ability to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, and professionally at all times, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Ability to work effectively and safely in cold temperatures and warehouse/product storage environments for extended periods.

Ability to safely lift and move boxes up to 50 pounds for inspection purposes.

Ability to travel within Nogales to other warehouses for purchases, inspections, and/or support and coordination of packing tasks; ability to visit producers as required.

Ability to travel domestically within the U.S. and to other company locations for extended periods during peak operational seasons to support quality control activities.

Ability to be on-call and occasionally work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ideal Qualifications

Degree, diploma, or related training in agri-business with a focus in supply chain management or agricultural sciences.

Minimum, 3-years of quality control experience in a food production, manufacturing, or warehouse environment.

USDA and/or CFIA training is an asset.

HACCP and food safety certification is considered an asset.

First aid and/or food safety training is an asset.

Why Oppy?

We are the perfect size of organization that is still nimble but yet organized, where meaningful impact and contributions happen.

We have a strong culture with terrific people that care about the business and each other. We want our people to grow and succeed.

We believe in you bringing your best true self and your best ideas, because diverse perspectives contribute to better problem solving and solutions in a dynamic and ever evolving industry.

We support your professional development and health with educational reimbursement and wellness programs.

We offer a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health, dental & vision coverage, 401k match, profit share, tuition reimbursement and other great benefits!

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

Oppy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer who actively seeks to recruit retain individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves at work. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and partners. Diversity is fundamental to our success because it brings a range of perspectives that fuel innovation and excellence. That’s why we’re focused on creating an inclusive culture where every employee can contribute their unique talents and ideas.

We gratefully thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted directly.