Quality Control Manager

Bell • Northbrook, IL

5h • $95,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Quality Control Manager is responsible for leading all Quality Control (QC) operations to ensure products consistently meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role oversees analytical, microbiological, and organoleptic testing programs and leads a team of QC professionals while partnering cross-functionally with Production, R&D, QA, and Procurement to support operational excellence and customer satisfaction

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or a related scientific field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5 years of quality control or analytical laboratory experience in food, flavor, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing
• At least 2 years of laboratory leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong working knowledge of FDA, USDA, and food safety regulations
• Experience in a GFSI/SQF certified environment
• Proven people management, coaching, and performance management skills
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with laboratory systems, documentation, and standard computer applications
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods in a laboratory setting
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working with strong odors and laboratory equipment
• Ability to wear required PPE, including lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, and safety shoes

Nice To Haves

• Advanced scientific degree
• USDA processing experience
• Experience with sensory evaluation programs
• Willingness to become an SQF Practitioner

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all Quality Control operations, including analytical, microbiological, and sensory (organoleptic) testing
• Ensure timely release of raw materials and finished products in accordance with established specifications
• Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to QC effectiveness and workload
• Oversee sensory panel programs, including training, consistency, and performance
• Hire, train, coach, and develop QC laboratory staff; maintain a competency matrix to support skill development and role clarity
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and coverage to meet production and business needs
• Ensure laboratory compliance with cGMP, GLP, HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA, and customer requirements
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections
• Maintain QC documentation, including SOPs, method validations, deviations, change controls, and CAPAs
• Lead investigations related to non-conforming materials, out-of-specification results, and root cause analysis
• Manage customer complaints, including leading technical reviews and recommending corrective actions
• Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, qualification, and service contracts
• Analyze quality trends, drive continuous improvement, and communicate risks and opportunities to leadership
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety

Benefits

• Collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Opportunity to lead and shape quality systems in a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Competitive salary range $95,000 - $120,000
• Comprehensive benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager