QA MANAGER
About The Position
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Quality Assurance Manager to lead our Quality team at our Chicago manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within a gelatin and collagen manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong knowledge of food manufacturing quality systems, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across Operations, Regulatory, Sales, R&D, and Supply Chain. Experience in the gelatin, collagen, protein ingredients, meat, or food ingredients industry is highly preferred. Spanish-English bilingual candidates are strongly preferred.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of Quality Assurance leadership experience in food manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis, FSMA, FDA regulations, and Food Safety Management Systems.
- Experience leading internal and external audits.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in the gelatin, collagen, protein ingredients, meat processing, nutraceutical ingredients, or specialty food ingredients industry.
- Experience with FSSC 22000, SQF, BRCGS, or ISO 22000.
- PCQI certification.
- HACCP certification.
- Internal Auditor certification.
- Spanish-English bilingual.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Quality Assurance team, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance development.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (when applicable), GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and customer requirements.
- Maintain and continuously improve the site's Food Safety and Quality Management System.
- Lead internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits (FSSC 22000, SQF, BRC or equivalent).
- Manage customer complaints, non-conformances, CAPA investigations, root cause analysis, and effectiveness verification.
- Oversee product release activities, quality documentation, specifications, COAs, and change management.
- Monitor microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programs.
- Partner with Operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and training programs.
- Support supplier qualification and supplier audits.
- Analyze quality KPIs and prepare reports for leadership.
- Promote a strong food safety and quality culture.
- Other duties as needed.
Benefits
- Comprehensive insurance coverage: Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, and more
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Annual bonus opportunity based on individual goals and overall company performance
- Employee recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
- Company-sponsored engagement and team-building events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
