Quality Assurance Manager

Skokie, IL 60077

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Quality Engineering Job Number: 44739731 Compensation: $100000-125000 / year

Job Description

Title: Quality Assurance Manager 

Location: Skokie, IL 

Overview:
Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

Hire Type: Direct Hire
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Annual Bonus, 401k matching
Pay: 110-125k 

Job Summary:
  • The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all food products meet company, customer, and regulatory standards. This role involves overseeing food safety and quality policies, managing third-party audits, and implementing corrective actions for any quality-related issues. The position requires a proactive approach to maintaining and improving quality assurance procedures while collaborating with production teams to resolve challenges effectively.

Job Duties:
  • Identify and escalate critical food safety and quality concerns to senior management as necessary.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve food safety and quality system policies and procedures.
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive quality initiatives.
  • Lead and oversee quality assurance personnel, including scheduling and workforce planning for a 24/7 operation.
  • Manage hiring, training, and performance evaluation of the quality team.
  • Act as the HACCP team leader, ensuring plans are updated, revised, and aligned with industry advancements.
  • Guide the disposition of non-conforming products to ensure safe and high-quality outcomes.
  • Investigate customer complaints, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions for any deviations from specifications.
  • Lead regulatory, GFSI, and customer audits, ensuring compliance with all quality and food safety standards.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for customer inquiries, complaints, audits, and documentation requests.
  • Manage departmental budgets and ensure financial goals are met.
  • Provide quality-related support for production operations, addressing inquiries and resolving issues as needed.
  • Coordinate services such as laboratory testing and pest control to maintain facility standards.
  • Organize and execute mock recalls to assess and enhance traceability procedures.
  • Step in to cover QA staff and assist with departmental functions when necessary.
  • Conduct training sessions on food safety topics, including allergen control, GMPs, and metal detection.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to assess and review equipment, policies, and contractor activities.
  • Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the Gluten Program.
  • Serve as an alternate contact for all matters related to GFCO certification.
  • Conduct daily facility walkthroughs to ensure compliance with food safety and quality programs.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Quality.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in quality assurance within the food manufacturing industry, with prior management or supervisory experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Nutrition, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
  • Certified SQF Practitioner.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (FDA, GFSI, FSMA).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop teams.
  • Experience in co-manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities to work across all levels of the organization.
  • In-depth knowledge of food safety and personal safety protocols.
  • Effective time management and communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities related to food safety and quality issues.
  • Ability to convey complex regulatory requirements in a clear and concise manner to senior leadership.
  • Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to quality management.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced packaging and production environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs and priorities.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Skokie, IL

Ready to kickstart your career in Skokie, Illinois? This vibrant suburb of Chicago offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and suburban charm, making it an ideal place to grow both personally and professionally. From the delightful Skokie Farmers' Market to the world-renowned Skokie Sculpture Park, this area is brimming with cultural attractions and recreational opportunities. Discover the charm of Skokie's diverse dining scene, catch a performance at the Skokie Theatre, or explore the stunning collections at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. With easy access to downtown Chicago and top-notch schools in the area, Skokie provides a perfect balance for both work and play. Explore our job listings in Skokie today and take the next step towards an exciting career in this bustling community.