Key Responsibilities:- Lead, coach, and develop the QA managers and their teams and three Chicago Plants to ensure strong execution of quality and food safety responsibilities across all shifts.
- Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, and state food safety regulations and customer requirements.
- Oversee facility audits including third-party certifications (e.g., BRC, SQF, AIB), customer inspections, and internal GMP reviews, and all Chicago plants
- Manage and continuously improve programs related to HACCP, HARPC, allergen control, sanitation, pest control, traceability, and product hold/release.
- Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Maintenance, and Sanitation to proactively resolve quality issues and drive root cause corrective actions.
- Lead or support investigations related to product complaints, deviations, and non-conformances.
- Ensure documentation and data integrity across all QA systems, including product testing, calibration records, and process control charts.
- Develop and monitor quality KPIs and present metrics to plant and corporate leadership.
- Partner with HR to ensure QA training programs are maintained and effectively implemented.
- Support implementation of corporate and customer-driven quality initiatives at the site level.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive QA/Food Safety experience in a food manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulatory compliance.
- Experience with bakery or high-volume food manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading teams and managing third-party audits.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven decision-making required.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Proficiency with QA software systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Plex, etc.).
Working Conditions:- Based full-time on-site at the Corporate HQ in Chicago, with regular travel to three Chicago Plants.
- Must be available to support QA coverage across all shifts as needed.
- Exposure to a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures and allergens.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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