Corporate Quality & Technical Development Specialist

Branding Iron Holding, LLC; Sauget (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/vision/dental/life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Annual incentive program

Job summary

Branding Iron Holdings is seeking a Corporate Quality and Technical Development Specialist to join our Sauget, IL team. The role focuses on ensuring product quality from design to delivery, overseeing QA standards, and coordinating with production and safety colleagues.

You will lead process improvements, conduct audits under USDA, HACCP, SQF and GMP, develop training, manage project teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Travel 10-15% to sites for FAT and validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, or 3 years of relevant food manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience in technical development, quality assurance and supervision in the food industry.
• Understanding of industry standards, food safety regulations, best practices, and quality management systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF).
• Experience with food safety audits, inspections, and certifications (Halal, Kosher, Organic, etc.).
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily quality assurance program requirements, ensuring compliance with USDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP.
• Develop and deliver training programs on QA procedures and new technologies; assess performance.
• Audit production processes, equipment, and final products for compliance with quality standards.
• Identify and implement improvements to technical development processes and QC procedures.
• Lead process-improvement project teams and track costs and timelines.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (process optimization, waste reduction).
• Prepare reports on project status, metrics, and process performance.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure quality throughout the organization.
• Investigate and implement corrective actions for quality issues and non-conformances.
• Travel 10-15% for site FAT on equipment and project validation.
• Backup the Sauget Quality Assurance Manager when required.

Skills

Technical development

Quality assurance

Supervision

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Meat Science / Food Technology

Job description

About the Company

For over 60 years, Branding Iron Holdings ("BIH") has been producing high quality beef and pork products while delivering customized solutions to the food service and retail trade industries. With an eye to the future, BIH has put a strong focus on building internal talent and on leveraging unique product lines and national distribution to drive continued growth. Guided by a strong set of core values (Respect, Integrity and Stewardship), reflecting a culture of servant leadership at every level, BIH’s team works hard to foster a culture that embraces and builds meaningful, long‑term relationships with both employees and its customer base.

Job Type

Full‑time

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Corporate Quality and Technical Development Specialist to join our team. The Quality Technical Development Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the quality of products developed by the company and managing the development of processes. This role is crucial in maintaining high standards of quality throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial design to final delivery. The supervisor oversees the implementation of quality assurance standards, coordinates project teams, and collaborates with other departments to ensure products meet quality expectations. This position combines technical expertise with supervisory skills focused on process and quality management.

Responsibilities

• Leading and Supervising: Coordinating and supporting team members in the completion of daily quality assurance program requirements, ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., USDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP).
• Training and Development: Develop and deliver training programs for team members on quality assurance procedures and new technologies. Support team members and assess their performance and the performance of new equipment or processes that are implemented.
• Auditing and Assessments: Conduct regular inspections and audits of production processes, equipment, and final products to ensure compliance with company and customer quality standards.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to technical development processes and quality control procedures.
• Project Management: Lead process improvement project teams and track project costs and completion timelines.
• Support and coordinate the plant’s continuous improvement initiatives, including leading projects (process optimization, waste reduction, etc.)
• Reporting: Prepare reports on project status, metrics, and process performance.
• Collaboration: Work with other departments (production, safety, maintenance) to ensure seamless operations and that quality standards are met throughout the organization.
  • Investigate and implement corrective actions with plant teams on quality issues, customer complaints, or non‑conformances.
  • Analyze data and develop strategies to minimize defects, waste, and plant inefficiencies.
  • Stay up to date with new regulations, certifications, and industry best practices, and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.
• Travel 10‑15%: Conduct site FAT on equipment, assess potential projects for viability, and validate success criteria for implemented projects at company processing locations.
• Backup the Sauget Quality Assurance Manager when required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, such as Food Science, Meat Science or Food Technology (preferred) or 3 years of relevant food manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience in technical development, quality assurance and supervision in the food industry, preferably in food manufacturing.
• Understanding of industry standards, food safety regulations, best practices, and quality management systems. (HACCP, GMP’s, SQF).
• Experience with food safety audits, inspections, and certifications (Halal, Kosher, Organic, etc.).
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team effectively.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data‑driven decisions.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to identify and effectively manage and solve quality issues.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence positive change.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive base salary ($70,000 - $95,000/year). Base salary is one component of a competitive compensation package for employees. Full benefits package, including medical/vision/dental/life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. We take into consideration a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, and internal equity when determining the base salary offered. Roles are eligible for additional rewards including an annual incentive program based on individual and company performance.

Branding Iron Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.