Director of Quality Assurance

CPS Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS Inc. is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance to lead strategic and operational quality systems, regulatory compliance, and food safety across multiple manufacturing locations in Illinois.

This role requires driving continuous improvement, managing audits, and coordinating with Operations, R&D, and cross‑functional leadership to uphold high product quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in QA within food manufacturing, strong regulatory knowledge (FSMA, SQF,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive QA experience in food manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of QA teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of FSMA, SQF, FDA, USDA, HACCP, and third-party certifications.
• Experience with audits, CAPA systems, and document control.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for QA, Quality Compliance, and Document Control across facilities.
• Plan and participate in customer and supplier audits for compliance.
• Maintain and improve SQF programs and SOPs.
• Direct SQF certification activities with Operations leadership.
• Lead CAPA program across all sites.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and third‑party standards.
• Oversee quality documentation and SOP control.
• Support QA software systems and ERP training.
• Travel to locations to support quality initiatives and audits.
• Collaborate with Operations to promote a strong food safety culture.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Audit management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Tools

Quality management software

Job description

Position Overview

The Director of Quality Assurance provides strategic and operational leadership for quality systems, regulatory compliance, food safety programs, and document control across multiple manufacturing locations. This individual is responsible for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and third‑party certifications while driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. The position works closely with Operations, R&D, and cross‑functional leadership to uphold the highest standards of product quality and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for all Quality Assurance, Quality Compliance, and Document Control functions across multiple production facilities.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in customer and supplier audits to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Maintain and continuously improve the SQF program, including management of quality procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Direct all SQF certification activities, including audit preparation and execution in partnership with Operations leadership.
• Lead the organization's Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) program across all manufacturing sites.
• Manage compliance with regulatory agencies and third‑party certification programs, including FDA, USDA, Kosher, Halal, Organic, and other applicable standards.
• Oversee the creation, revision, approval, and control of quality documentation and SOPs.
• Support the implementation, training, and ongoing utilization of quality management and ERP software systems.
• Travel to manufacturing locations as needed to support quality initiatives, audits, training, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to promote a strong food safety culture and ensure compliance with FSMA and other food safety regulations.
• Supervise Quality Compliance personnel, laboratory leadership, document control staff, and Quality Assurance technicians, including recruitment, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Review and approve manufacturing process changes to ensure continued compliance with quality and food safety standards.
• Direct document control processes to maintain accurate and compliant quality records.
• Develop and distribute monthly Quality Assurance reports and performance metrics.
• Partner with Research & Development to establish product specifications and improve laboratory testing methods.
• Analyze quality data and performance trends, implementing corrective actions to improve product consistency and process capability.
• Ensure timely reporting and documentation of quality‑related events within designated reporting systems.
• Manage the review and disposition of expired, obsolete, or non‑conforming materials.
• Coordinate recurring food safety and quality training programs for manufacturing personnel.
• Oversee product disposition activities and inventory quality review processes.
• Support new product introductions and business opportunities by ensuring food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Manage pest control programs and coordinate activities with external service providers to maintain facility compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• 6+ years of progressive Quality Assurance experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing Quality Assurance teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality systems, including FSMA, SQF, FDA, USDA, HACCP, and third‑party certification programs.
• Experience managing regulatory inspections, certification audits, CAPA systems, and document control processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using quality management or ERP software.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Salary

$140,000 - $150,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

Available