Director of Quality

Aspen Enterprises; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan options

Quarterly incentive bonus

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

401(k)

Job summary

Finlays Solutions seeks a Director of Quality to lead Quality Control, Sanitation, and Laboratory functions across five U.S. manufacturing sites.

You’ll ensure materials, in-process controls, and finished products meet internal specs, customer expectations, and regulatory standards. Reporting to the VP of Quality, you will drive standardization, data integrity, and continuous improvement while managing budgets and developing a high-performing team with strong leadership and collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science; 8+ years in Quality Management including 4+ multisite leadership.
• Certifications: SQF, HACCP Level 3, PCQI, Lead Auditor; Food Defense/Fraud preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality, Food Safety and Laboratory functions across five U.S. sites.
• Maintain certifications (Organic, Fairtrade, RA, Kosher, Halal) and implement HACCP.
• Oversee QC labs, methods validation, data storage, and traceability.
• Drive continuous improvement, budgeting, and cross-site knowledge sharing.

Skills

Quality leadership

Regulatory compliance

GFSI programs

Auditing

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Quality

Executive Glenview, IL, US

14 days ago Requisition ID: 1463

Salary Range: $170,000.00 To $190,000.00 Annually

About Us

Leahy-IFP, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader.

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.

Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary:

The Director of Quality Control, reporting to the VP of Quality and part of the QualityLeadership Team, provides strategic and operational leadership for all Quality Control, Sanitation, and Laboratory functions across five U.S. Finlays Solutions manufacturing sites. The role ensures raw materials, in‑process controls, finished goods, and hygiene/sanitation meet internal specs, customer expectations, and regulatory/third‑party standards. This leader drives standardization, data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency across tea, coffee, botanical, and fruit‑based beverage portfolios, supported by strong people leadership and budget management.

The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $190,000.

Within this range, individual pay is determined by the work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The total compensation package for this position also includes a choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance), a quarterly incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave and a 401(K) for all eligible employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

• Implement, execute, and improve quality systems aligned with GFSI, including food safety, allergens, food defense, food fraud, and sanitation programs.
• Maintain external certifications (e.g., Organic, Fairtrade, RA, Kosher, Halal) in collaboration with the Director of Quality Assurance.
• Govern HACCP and site Food Safety Teams to ensure accurate risk assessments and effective controls.
• Oversee documentation, non conformance management, complaint handling, audits, incident management, validation/verification, and cost-of-non conformance programs.
• Ensure customer technical requirements are met, collaborating with Commercial on key customer relationships.
• Support supplier management, co-packers/co-manufacturers, regulatory compliance, legal registers, and Agrochemical/Contaminant policy.

Quality Control & Laboratory Management

• Oversee laboratory operations to ensure reliable, repeatable analytical and sensory results guiding raw material, process, and product decisions.
• Implement and validate analytical methods, calibrations, ring testing, and equipment maintenance.
• Use monitoring/measurement systems and visual management to support process control.
• Manage QC budgets, laboratory Capex, data storage/traceability, and lab throughput/utilization.
• Introduce new analytical technologies and support Commercial, R&D, and Innovation.
• Oversee at source quality activities within operations.

Quality Improvement

• Lead quality improvement projects with Operations using scientific, data-driven problem solving.
• Support commissioning of new products/processes, ensuring quality, food safety, and compliance.
• Drive transition to online/inline monitoring and support training and deployment of quality programs.
• Build and lead a high-performing team with clear strategy, capability frameworks, coaching, and cross-site knowledge sharing.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, and Quality/Food Safety culture aligned to Finlays values.
• Engage external industry experts to elevate team exposure and best practices.
• Set objectives and deliverables; conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans.
• Mentor and guide direct reports, provide stretch assignments, and ensure accountability.
• Resolve conflicts effectively and strengthen collaboration with site Leadership teams.
• Develop training programs supporting compliance and strong Quality/Food Safety culture.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field; 8+ years in Quality Management including 4+ years multisite leadership.
• Required certifications: SQF, HACCP Level 3, PCQI, Lead Auditor; Food Defense/Fraud preferred.
• Better Process Control School and/or strong microbiology and thermal processing knowledge.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem solving skills with ability to make fact-based decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage teams, and communicate effectively with customers and internal partners.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.
• Experience training/developing teams; willingness to work flexible hours as needed, with 30% travel to maintain site presence.

Quality Statement:

• Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
• Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.