Product Quality Specialist

Company Overview

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we exist to re-engineer nature’s pantry, reimagine human nutrition, and revitalize wellness and the environment. We believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world.

Mara’s remarkable journey has transformed us from a research & development startup into a global leader within the algal omega-3 oil industry, encompassing pivotal sectors such as food, beverage, and infant nutrition. Our commitment to commercializing our unique patent-protected technologies, coupled with the expertise of our diverse and exceptionally talented team, has been the driving force behind our success.

Position Summary

The Product Quality Specialist plays an important role in ensuring Mara’s products consistently meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

Working closely with Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Commercial, and other cross-functional teams, this role supports product development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities while managing product quality documentation, analytical testing, stability programs, and customer quality requests. As a key connection between customers and internal teams, the Product Quality Specialist provides technical and quality support, prepares customer-facing documentation, and helps ensure quality inquiries are addressed accurately and efficiently.

The Product Quality Specialist also supports continuous improvement by analyzing quality and stability data, contributing to risk management and validation activities, and identifying opportunities to strengthen product quality and supporting processes.

Success in this role comes from being organized, analytical, and detail-oriented while enjoying collaboration and problem-solving. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset are important for building effective relationships and helping ensure Mara continues to deliver products that meet our quality standards and customer expectations.

This is a Hybrid role (3 days in office, 2 days remote), located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Product Documentation & Customer Support

• Maintain product quality documentation, specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality records, ensuring information remains accurate, current, and compliant.
• Coordinate document revisions and approvals within the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support the preparation and maintenance of technical and product quality files.
• Prepare and manage customer-facing quality documentation, including product specifications, customer dossiers, technical data sheets, questionnaires, and product statements.
• Coordinate information across Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams to respond to customer requests, including quality requirements related to customer samples.
• Support customer quality inquiries by providing accurate documentation and timely follow-up.
• Assist the QMS & Compliance Specialist with customer- and order-related quality documentation as required.
• Manage requirements associated with ORIVO certification.

Analytical Testing & Stability Programs

• Manage analytical testing activities, including sample submissions and tracking of test results.
• Coordinate stability studies, including sample inventory, testing schedules, data collection, and report preparation.
• Analyze analytical and stability data to identify trends and escalate potential quality concerns when required.

Product Development & Manufacturing Support

• Support quality activities related to product development, scale-up, technology transfer, and commercialization, including the development of SOPs, work instructions, testing programs, and qualification of third-party laboratories.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of raw material, packaging, and finished product specifications.
• Participate in validation, risk assessment, and product launch readiness activities.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to help ensure manufacturing processes and finished products meet approved quality requirements and specifications.

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Quality Assurance, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in Quality Assurance, food manufacturing, product quality, laboratory operations, or a related technical role.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and applicable food safety systems.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer-focused and proactive, with a willingness to learn, take initiative, and contribute as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Quality certifications such as HACCP or Internal Auditor.
• Experience working with omega-3 products is considered a strong asset.

What We Offer

Mara is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• RRSP matching program
• Health care spending account
• Physical Wellness Reimbursement Plan

At Mara we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mara supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.