Quality Management Systems (QMS) Specialist

Unilever • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

The QMS Specialist plays a critical role in driving our manufacturing site toward World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards, anchored in zero defects, zero waste, and zero losses. This position champions the deployment of Focused Improvement (FI) and Quality Improvement methodologies to reduce quality related losses and elevate cross functional performance. Acting as a key link between Production, Quality, and Logistics, the role ensures seamless end to end processes that uphold regulatory compliance, product integrity, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (or related field).
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting, preferably food manufacturing.
• General knowledge of quality systems in manufacturing.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis & process control tools.
• Hands-on experience with quality laboratory operations and equipment.
• Knowledge in Hold & Release processes, RCA investigations, and CAPA compliance.
• Ability to empower teams to achieve collective success.
• Ability to connect quality systems to operational outcomes.
• Ability to champion innovation and continuous improvement as well as fosters a workplace culture centered on quality, safety, and consumer trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily quality support to production and logistics teams, ensuring timely investigation and resolution of quality issues.
• Own and maintain the site’s document control system, ensuring timely revisions of controlled documents, accurate change management, and full compliance with SOP requirements.
• Develop and implement inspection procedures, validation protocols, and statistical quality control methods for raw materials, in process checks, and finished goods.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with GMP, food safety regulations, and internal quality standards.
• Lead the Hold and Release Program, including defect investigations, root cause analysis, corrective/preventive action (CAPA), and reporting.
• Manage and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) through Management Review, communication, training, and internal/external audits.
• Coordinate D Incident, E Incident, and near miss investigations using SAP and Quality One; maintain accurate issue tracking and report out on top defect categories.
• Track, trend, and analyze consumer complaint data to drive focused improvements and reduce recurrence.
• Drive the development of quality competencies across the site through WCM systems, tools, and methodologies.
• Support and participate in structured improvement initiatives aligned with Unilever’s Desired Superiority Index.
• Promote a quality first culture and embed quality principles into daily operations across all departments.
• Partner effectively with stakeholders including Production, Maintenance, Facilities, R&D, and Supply Chain Planning to ensure aligned decision making and robust quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with external partners and suppliers to support material quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan.
• Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits.
• Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees