Quality Control Supervisor

Synergy Flavors•Wauconda, IL

10d

About The Position

The Quality Control Supervisor supports, supervises, and leads laboratory quality assurance for the facility. The role oversees the second-shift QC team and laboratory operations across multiple shifts, supports facility and laboratory quality functions, and leads continuous improvement projects. The position also demonstrates technical proficiency in testing incoming raw materials, intermediate products, and finished product samples. The supervisor leads root cause analysis and investigations into deviations and customer complaints; coordinates communication across production, quality, management, and other teams; supports implementation and maintenance of quality and food safety programs; and manages the internal shelf-life program with R&D. The role supervises laboratory methods, calibration, maintenance scheduling, and method validation; develops and trains team members; and supports quality initiatives and audits. It also oversees testing, sampling, sanitation compliance, food safety risk assessment, batch-record and HACCP-document review, and daily laboratory coverage, including weekend scheduling and off-shift microbiology pickups. The stated work schedule is 7:30 AM–4:00 PM. Salary range: $89,500–$121,000. The company describes itself as a diverse workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries and offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in a related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Food Science/Technology, and/or a business-related degree.
Experience with HACCP, FSP, ISO 22000, SQF, BRC, or equivalent Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) criteria.
Experience with QC instruments such as pH meters, refractometers, densitometers, colorimeters, GC, water activity meters, and turbidimeters.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of quality control laboratory experience applying skills in a comprehensive, hands-on manner.
Previous flavor industry experience.
Proven people leadership experience, including motivating, mentoring, and developing employees while driving team performance and accountability.

Responsibilities

Lead root cause analysis using appropriate methods and tools to resolve systematic and complex technical problems and drive continuous improvement.
Conduct internal and external investigations of deviations and customer complaints.
Maintain two-way communication among production, cross-functional, quality, and management teams.
Partner with other functions to train, implement, and maintain facility quality programs and food safety systems.
Manage the internal shelf-life program and collaborate with R&D on monthly evaluations and updates.
Lead quality projects and initiatives that advance continuous improvement.
Conduct team goal-setting, mid-year, and year-end calibration reviews and create action plans to support employee development and retention.
Partner with R&D, Planning, Safety, Production, and Warehouse teams to maximize results.
Supervise the QC team and laboratory methods, calibration and maintenance scheduling and tracking, and new method validation in accordance with laboratory GMPs.
Train and supervise team members to meet quality metrics in alignment with company culture and values.
Manage daily laboratory coverage for internal and external customer demands, including weekend scheduling and off-shift microbiology pickups.
Create and deliver training on relevant SOPs for QC team members and cross-functional partners.
Support the QA Manager in leading company quality initiatives and local quality audits.
Provide on-call Food Safety and Quality (PCQI) support cross-functionally and internally.
Ensure compliance and recordkeeping for mandated quality checks, testing, sampling, and sanitation activities.
Assess food safety risks of raw materials and finished goods to maintain quality and food safety compliance.
Perform daily testing of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products in accordance with established SOPs.
Sample incoming raw materials for analysis, including repeatedly lifting up to 50 pounds.
Review production batch records and HACCP documents daily for compliance with applicable programs and SOPs.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and a safe, neat, and clean environment.