Position Overview
UP Vertical Farms, a pioneering leader in sustainable vertical farming and agri-technology, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the company’s food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs.
This role is critical in ensuring that all products meet UP Vertical Farms’ rigorous internal standards as well as applicable federal and provincial regulatory requirements before reaching customers. The Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of food safety systems, quality management programs, and sanitation protocols across all production, harvesting, and packaging operations.
The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience in food production, agriculture, or manufacturing environments, along with deep knowledge of food safety regulations, audit requirements, and quality systems. This individual will act as the subject matter expert on food safety and quality while fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
This is a Full-Time position within the Food Safety, Quality and Sanitation Department, working closely with Operations, HR, Accounting and Grow/R&D teams. The position reports to senior leadership, with a work schedule that includes weekdays, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays depending on operational needs.
Work is performed in a climate-controlled indoor vertical farming facility and office environment. Performance is evaluated based on regulatory compliance, audit outcomes, effectiveness of quality systems, team leadership, and contribution to organizational objectives.
About UP Vertical Farms
- UP Vertical Farms is a pioneering Canadian leader in sustainable indoor agriculture, combining over a decade of innovation in agri-technology, automation, and environmentally responsible food production. We grow premium leafy greens year-round in a fully controlled, soil-free environment that uses 99% less water and zero pesticides.
- Our mission is to redefine how fresh food is grown and delivered; locally, sustainably, and efficiently. Through advanced vertical farming systems, we supply consistently high-quality produce to grocers and consumers across Western Canada.
- As a growing and collaborative team, we take pride in our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community impact. At UP Vertical Farms, every role contributes to building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient food system for the future
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- UP Vertical Farms is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and respects the communities we serve. Guided by the principles of Human Rights, we ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and free from discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital or family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that embracing different perspectives strengthens our team, drives innovation, and allows every employee to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Include but are not limited to:
- Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Food Safety, Sanitation, and Quality/Assurance Management Systems (FSQMS).
- Ensure full compliance with applicable legislation, including the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations, Food and Drugs Act, and relevant provincial requirements.
- Act as the primary liaison for regulatory bodies, third-party auditors, and certification programs (e.g., CanadaGAP, GMP, PrimusGFS, FDA, CFIA).
- Lead internal and external audits, including preparation, execution, and corrective action follow-ups.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve SOPs related to food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, and traceability.
- Oversee HACCP plans, environmental monitoring programs, and pathogen testing protocols.
- Ensure all documentation, records, and certifications are accurate, complete, and audit-ready.
- Manage test-and-hold programs and product release procedures.
- Oversee quality control processes at all stages: production, harvesting, packaging, and distribution.
- Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to food safety and quality.
- Analyze data trends (e.g., shelf life, microbiological results, environmental testing) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Ensure proper calibration and functionality of all testing and measuring equipment.
- Supervise, train, retrain, and evaluate staff and ensure proper implementation of SOPs.
- Provide ongoing coaching and education to all departments on food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
- Foster a strong culture of food safety awareness and accountability across the organization.
- Work closely with Operations and Grow/R&D teams to identify risks and implement solutions.
- Manage, train, and schedule all Sanitation and QA/QC staff
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies.
- Participate in production planning to ensure food safety and quality requirements are integrated into workflows.
- Oversee microbiological and environmental testing programs, including water and product testing.
- Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance and ensure proper testing protocols are followed.
- Manage ICP and other instruments for nutrient and chemical analysis.
- Maintain a presence on the production floor to ensure that all food safety, quality control, and health and safety protocols are implemented and followed.
- Review, annotate, and approve employee timecards and time off requests in ADP.
- Interpret test results and take appropriate action when deviations occur.
- Manage departmental budgets, procurement of supplies, and inventory of testing materials.
- Maintain electronic records using company ERP systems and identify opportunities for system improvements.
- Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on food safety and quality performance.
- Ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements and promote a safe work environment.
- Maintain required certifications (e.g., Occupational First Aid Level 1).
- Identify and mitigate workplace hazards related to food safety and sanitation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.
- Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by senior management.
- Continuous improvement of the food safety process, and performing root cause analysis of internal deviations and customer complaints
- Perform additional duties as required.
Qualifications
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
- Implementing SQF Systems Manufacturing: Exam Certification Completion
- HACCP/Advanced HACCP Certification Completion
- Masters of Food Science, Microbiology or Biochemistry Degree
- Completion of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Training
- Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory experience in food safety, quality assurance, or regulated food production environments.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in lab, greenhouse operations, or controlled environment agriculture (CEA), preferably in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated experience managing food safety programs and leading audits.
- Strong knowledge of GMP. GHP, GAP and all Canadian food safety legislation and standards
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Valid WHMIS Certification
- Completion of Occupational First Aid Level 1 (i.e. Basic First Aid).
- Steel-toe safety footwear required.
- Knowledge of CanadaGAP, GFSI, FDA, CFIA Certification
- PCQI Certification is an asset
- Working knowledge of applicable food safety laws and regulations, including the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations, Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations, Food and Drugs Act, and relevant BC food safety and occupational health and safety requirements.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong understanding of HACCP, GMP, and food safety systems.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of accountability and professional judgment.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify quality issues.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Basic technical aptitude to work with automated systems and monitoring equipment.
- Strong observational and documentation skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced production environment.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new quality standards, technologies, and procedures.
Working conditions
- On-site role at UP Vertical Farms
- Combination of office, laboratory, and production floor environment
- Physically active role involving standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 30 lbs)
- Exposure to a climate-controlled agricultural production environment
- Work atmosphere is professional and cordial.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary range: $75,000–$80,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits package includes extended health care, dental care, vision care, life insurance
- On-site parking
Work schedule:
- Full-time: Mondays to Fridays
- Mornings, Days, evenings shifts or night shifts on weekdays and weekends.
- Daily shift end times for associates vary based on production needs.
Training:
- On-site and on-the-job training
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $75,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Pitt Meadows, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Knowledge of CanadaGAP or GFSI Certification
- Masters Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or Biochemistry
Education:
- Master's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Quality Control: 3 years (required)
- Laboratory: 3 years (required)
- Food safety: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Implementing SQF Systems Manufacturing: Exam (required)
- Advanced HACCP Certification (required)
Location:
- Pitt Meadows, BC (required)
Work Location: In person
