Coordinator - Food & Water Safety

Overview of the role:
WestJet is seeking a Coordinator, Food & Water Safety. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Group Safety Programs, this role will work closely with the Program Manager, Food & Water Safety to conduct food safety and potable water assessments across the WestJet network. This work is a critical component of WestJet's Food Safety Management Plan (FSMP) and Potable Water Management Plan (PWMP).
The successful candidate will travel frequently (up to 50%) throughout the WestJet network to conduct risk-based food safety assessments and other oversight activities involving inflight service, food service providers, and potable water providers. The primary objective of the role is to evaluate the effectiveness of service provider food safety management systems, with a focus on how food and water safety risks are identified, assessed, controlled, and monitored, and how management systems support continuous improvement.
Key deliverables include:
Conduct food safety and potable water assessments and operational evaluations across the WestJet network in accordance with the Food Safety Management Plan, Potable Water Management Plan, and established program requirements.
Complete assessment documentation and reports, identify non-compliances and risks, and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders.
Review corrective action plans, validate completed actions, and assess the effectiveness of implemented mitigations.
Provide technical expertise and guidance on food safety and potable water requirements to operational teams, vendors, and service providers to support compliance with WestJet standards and regulatory requirements.
Review and investigate food safety and potable water incidents and hazard reports through the company reporting system, including participating in root cause analyses and supporting the development and implementation of corrective actions.
Support the maintenance and continuous improvement of WestJet's Food Safety Management Plan and Potable Water Management Plan in alignment with company policies, PHAC standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain documentation, reference materials, and program resources associated with the FSMP and PWMP, including:
Approved vendor programs
Cold-chain validation processes
Program procedures
Records management
Guidance materials
Analyze assessment results, incident data, and program performance indicators to identify trends, recurring issues, emerging risks, and opportunities for targeted oversight and program enhancement.
Support ongoing monitoring and evaluation of food safety and potable water controls through data analysis, trending, and performance monitoring activities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of WestJet's Food Safety and Potable Water Programs, broader safety objectives, and the continued advancement of the company's safety culture.
Experience and qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, public health inspection, regulatory compliance, or a related field, including experience conducting food safety audits or inspections.
Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Public Health, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
Valid passport and, if applicable, Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
Ability to travel without restriction to all WestJet destinations. Any required visas or travel documentation are the responsibility of the successful candidate.
Experience investigating non-compliances or deviations, conducting root cause analyses, and developing and implementing corrective action plans.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret food safety metrics, including time and temperature data, microbiological results, cold-chain validation data, and trend analyses.
Knowledge of applicable local, federal, and international regulations, standards, and guidelines related to food safety and potable water programs.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build credibility and effective relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and service providers.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced operational environment.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and manage sensitive and confidential information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including overnight and international travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
Food Safety and/or HACCP certification.
Certificate in Public Health Inspection.
Aviation industry experience.
Experience working with the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travelling Public Program.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Experience conducting risk assessments.
Experience with change management or change-control processes.
Experience using safety, quality, or compliance reporting systems.
Experience with data visualization and performance monitoring tools.
French or Spanish language proficiency would be considered an asset