Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance, preferably in food service, airport, or hospitality industries.
Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and HACCP Certified.
In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP and PCQI principles.
Experience managing food safety programs in complex environments.
Familiarity with regulatory audits and FSMA and FDA Food Code compliance.
Strong leadership skills for team development.],
responsibilities:[
Serve as the main contact for food safety inquiries, guidances on audits and inspections.
Collaborate with management to strengthen food safety culture and compliance.
Analyze audits and reports to identify food safety risks and suggest improvements.
Resolve deficiencies and conduct root-cause analyses with operations teams.
Develop HACCP plans for production kitchens to ensure regulatory alignment.
Monitor environmental safety and analyze data to prevent hazards.
Conduct annual PCQI reviews for compliance and continuous improvement in food safety initiatives.
Benefits
Comprehensive Benefits Package including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Plans.
Paid Time Off and 401K with company match.
Employee Assistance Program.
Full Job Description
Join Our Team!
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 / year + bonus
Comprehensive Benefits Package
This job is located at the MDW Airport
As a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, you will lead food safety initiatives, support commissary and restaurant teams, and strengthen regulatory compliance across airport operations. You will help drive a high-performance food safety culture, resolve audit findings, and partner with operations to ensure safe, consistent, high-quality food every day. This role requires limited travel within the U.S. and Canada (less than 20 percent).
What You'll Do:
Serve as the primary point of contact for all food safety-related inquiries and provide expert guidance on audit findings, inspection metrics, corrective actions, and trend analysis.
Work collaboratively with senior operations management to foster a strong food safety culture and support compliance with FSMA, FDA Food Code, and company standards.
Review and analyze specialized audits, food safety assessments, sanitation inspections, and quality control reports to proactively identify risks and recommend improvements.
Partner with senior operations leaders to resolve audit and complaint deficiencies, conduct root-cause and trend analyses, and drive corrective actions.
Develop and deliver HACCP plans for production kitchens, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and operational processes.
Perform environmental monitoring and analyze microbial trends to identify hazards and implement preventive measures.
Conduct annual PCQI reviews to confirm compliance, identify deviations, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Deliver targeted food safety and allergen training that addresses local needs, emerging risks, and company priorities.
Build strong communication channels and relationships with internal teams, regulatory authorities, suppliers, and other key stakeholders to support consistent food safety performance.
Assist with annual mock recalls and review production kitchen documentation to ensure traceability, compliance, and readiness for regulatory audits.
What We're Looking For:
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field required.
Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in a food safety and quality assurance role within the food service industry, with a focus on restaurant operations. Experience in the airport or hospitality industry is preferred.
Certifications: Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and HACCP Certification, with experience writing HACCP plans.
Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards, including HACCP and PCQI principles.
Proven track record of implementing and managing food safety programs in complex environments.
Experience with regulatory audits and inspections, including FSMA and FDA Food Code compliance.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop food safety teams.
Why Join Us?
Dynamic Environment: Work in the fast-paced and exciting setting of a major airport. Competitive Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 and Health, Dental, Vision and Life Plans, Paid Time Off, 401K with company match, Employee Assistance Program.
