Food Manufacturing Quality Assurance Manager

Kelly Science has an immediate opening for a Quality Assurance Manager for our growing client near Chicago, IL

Full-time

Direct Hire

Salary: $100,000-$120,000

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager to uphold our commitment to food safety and excellence. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that all products meet company, customer, and regulatory quality and safety standards. You will lead initiatives to maintain and enhance our food safety programs while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

✅ Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Develop, implement, and maintain Quality Management Systems and HACCP Programs to ensure compliance.
• Oversee and maintain BRC certification, ensuring system integrity and readiness for audits.
• Lead the development and execution of Food Safety Fundamentals and Food Safety Plans in line with BRC standards.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulatory inspections, customer audits, and third-party certifications.

✅ Audit & Compliance Management

• Prepare the facility for FDA, military, and third-party audits, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Act as a backup to the Senior Quality Assurance Manager for inspections and audits.
• Manage document control by reviewing policies and programs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory and customer expectations.

✅ Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor QA Technicians, ensuring a high-performance quality team.
• Provide direct supervision, set performance goals, and conduct evaluations.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of QA lab supplies and ensure proper execution of testing procedures.

✅ Environmental & Sanitation Programs

• Oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program, analyze trends, and drive corrective actions for any out-of-spec results.
• Manage the Sanitation Program, serving as the primary liaison with the third-party sanitation provider and chemical suppliers.
• Conduct training and ensure compliance with all sanitation regulations.

✅ Product Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate and resolve consumer complaints and internal quality concerns.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing best practices to enhance product quality and efficiency.
• Provide technical expertise on nutritional labeling, ingredient statements, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee product Hold & Release Program and determine disposition for out-of-spec products.

What We’re Looking For:

✔ Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field OR equivalent industry experience.
• 3 years of leadership experience in Quality Assurance within a food manufacturing environment.
• HACCP & PCQI certifications required; extensive knowledge of GFSI/BRC standards.

✔ Technical & Regulatory Expertise

• Experience with third-party audits and regulatory inspections.
• Strong background in food safety regulations, traceability, and compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

✔ Leadership & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong team leadership, training, and mentoring experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration across departments.

✔ Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs periodically and navigate the production floor.
• Comfortable working in refrigerated/freezing environments when needed.
• Ability to distinguish label colors, work with lab instrumentation, and conduct precise testing.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic team in a growing food manufacturing company.
• Lead critical quality and food safety programs with autonomy and impact.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.

💡 Ready to take your Quality Assurance career to the next level? Apply today!