Quality Analyst (Pea Protein)

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.

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.
• Lead microbiological testing of finished products, potable water, air samples, and environmental monitoring swabs for pathogenic organisms including Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens) using conventional, rapid, and PCR-based assays.
• Evaluate Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) results to identify trends and proactively address contamination risks.
• Develop and optimize test methods for the QC laboratory, ensuring methods are validated for accuracy, repeatability, specificity, and robustness.
• 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.
• Lead foreign material hazard risk assessments for metal detector, magnetic, and particulate contaminants across critical control points, applying HACCP principles.
• Conduct formal verification and validation of physical hazard control systems:
  • Metal Detectors: Perform challenge testing using calibrated test pieces to confirm detection thresholds across product matrices.
  • Magnets: Validate magnetic flux density and efficacy of retention under production conditions using Gaussmeters.
  • Sieves: Execute mesh integrity testing and evaluate separation performance against product specifications.
• Perform analytical testing for food and feed using AOAC or other applicable accredited methods.
• Audit food safety documentation including inspection logs, CCP monitoring records, and corrective action reports for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory alignment (e.g., FSMA, GFSI, CFIA).
• Deliver food safety orientation and GMP training to new hires and cross-functional teams, reinforcing hygiene, sanitation, and CCP awareness.
• Conduct GMP audits across production and laboratory areas, identifying non-conformities, documenting findings, and initiating CAPA processes.
• Draft detailed CAPA documentation with root cause analysis, containment actions, corrective measures, and preventive strategies; ensure timely communication and implementation across departments.
• Lead batch release decisions using integrated results from analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing.
• Execute positive release protocols and initiate product hold procedures when out-of-spec results or quality concerns arise, triggering inspection and cross-functional review.
• Provide after-hours guidance to operations personnel on food safety deviations, urgent lab results, and resolution of production-floor food safety issues in real time.
• 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).
• Swab, monitor and trigger CIP as well as initiate operational/production changes based on results of testing, including but not limited to line and equipment changes, production delays and changes, etc.
• Critical and proactive decision making on potential tests to run based on result trending, whether to rerun the sample or run another test to confirm other indicators, etc.
• 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.
• Perform analysis on both food and feed using analytical or wet chemical analysis following AOAC or other accredited methods.
• Manage 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.
• Communicate to Production Manager, Manager - Plant Operations and QA Supervisor when tests are unfavorable and make decisions on production/equipment/operational disruptions in order to ensure food safety.
• Exercise judgement and decision making regarding test results, root cause analysis, additional tests required, limits and anticipated tests to rerun, as well as adaptations for operational processing and Quality procedures as it relates to future testing to improve quality and process optimization based on test results.
• Assist with commissioning process of new facility, which includes but is not limited to policy implementation and management, etc.
• Participates in the proficiency testing program to validate methods and laboratory performance.

• Must have a Bachelors degree in the field of Chemistry, Food science, or Microbiology coupled with 5 or more years of relevant work experience in a laboratory performing physical chemical/microbiological analysis using instrumentation and wet chemical methods, preferably within food manufacturing OR a Masters degree in the field of Chemistry, Food science or Microbiology.
• Must have previous work experience with creating and/or maintaining laboratory manuals, policies, procedures, etc.
• Must have previous work experience preparing, reporting and analyzing laboratory results to a broad audience, both onsite in Yorkton SK and to LDC management offsite as required, with the ability to provide complex explanations of findings.
• 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, GMPs, 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.

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