Corporate Quality Compliance Manager (Hybrid-Mt. Prospect, IL)

Based in Mount Prospect, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian, and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed following our two core principles; continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company's overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so we can deliver ours. Above all, we're dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets-our team members. That's reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, regard and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of the team's future success!

~This is a hybrid position~

Summary of Role: The Corporate Quality Compliance Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance programs across all Mizkan facilities and external suppliers. This role ensures that all locations adhere to established standards and continuously improve their processes. The manager will lead quality auditing activities, facilitate corrective actions, and maintain transparent communication with Mizkan leadership regarding observations and opportunities for improvement.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Quality Auditing Program Management: Lead and enhance the corporate quality auditing program to drive measurable food safety and quality improvements across all Mizkan locations and external providers.
• Structured Audit Execution: Develop and implement a formalized audit approach encompassing pre-audit preparation, audit agenda and opening meetings, fieldwork and office program audits, immediate communication of findings, closing meetings, and post-audit activities.
• Corrective Action Oversight: Review and monitor corrective actions to ensure timely and sustainable improvements for all audits conducted by the quality department.
• Regulatory Compliance Monitoring: Continuously monitor updates and activities related to all Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules affecting Mizkan facilities, ensuring compliance at both plant and corporate levels.
• Documentation Development: Collaborate with plant and corporate departments to develop methods and documentation demonstrating compliance with food safety and product quality regulations.
• Technical Training Resource: Serve as a technical resource in training personnel at Mizkan production facilities to enhance quality, process efficiency, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
  
  

Education, Experience, And Qualifications

• Educational Background:S. in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field is required; a M.S. degree is preferred.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 15 years of experience in the food industry, with at least 5 years in a corporate quality compliance environment. Experience in high-speed, shelf-stable food manufacturing is essential.
• Auditing Expertise: Proven experience in developing and implementing structured audit programs that drive change and improvement.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of FSMA regulations, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards and associated auditing schemes such as BRC, SQF, and FSSC 22000.
• Program Development: Experience in establishing and qualifying quality programs in new plant settings is desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Adaptability: Willingness and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
• Professionalism: Exhibits a professional demeanor with exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Travel Availability: Ability to travel approximately 20-30% of the time to various Mizkan locations and external suppliers as required.
  
  

This role is pivotal in ensuring that Mizkan maintains the highest standards of product quality and food safety, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and compliance throughout the organization.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $98,800 to $138,300.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four-percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care-insurance, critical accident insurance, short and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.