QA Leader: Food Safety & Growth (Mon–Fri)

JTM Foods; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Life insurance

Full-time schedule

Growth opportunities

Job summary

JTM Foods, LLC in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA department, oversee food safety, quality programs, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced bakery.

You will develop and maintain SQF/HACCP systems, manage audits, coach a QA team, and drive continuous improvement in product quality and waste reduction.

This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits, Monday–Friday schedule, and growth opportunities for leaders committed to food safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Food Quality Assurance or related quality management.
• Minimum of 3 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Bakery or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• HACCP Certification required.
• SQF Practitioner Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FDA regulations, and sanitation controls.
• Experience preparing for and managing food safety and quality audits.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily QA operations including QA Technicians and laboratory personnel.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of SQF Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Maintain and manage HACCP, GMP, allergen control, pest control, sanitation, traceability, recalls, and other food safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, SQF standards, customer requirements, and company policies.
• Prepare for and lead SQF certification audits, customer audits, regulatory inspections, and internal audits.
• Develop, review, and maintain quality policies, procedures, SOPs, and documentation.
• Conduct and oversee routine quality inspections, internal audits, and product evaluations.
• Identify quality concerns, investigate product defects, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Operations to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
• Analyze quality data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to reduce waste, rework, and product defects.
• Ensure testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operating accurately.
• Develop and improve inspection plans, testing methods, and quality control procedures.
• Promote a proactive food safety culture throughout the facility.
• Lead, coach, and develop QA team members to ensure consistent execution of quality standards.
• Provide food safety, GMP, and quality training to production employees and leadership.
• Hold team members accountable for following established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate quality concerns, corrective actions, and improvement opportunities to plant leadership.
• Build strong working relationships across departments while maintaining the integrity of our food safety programs.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

SQF

HACCP

GMPs

Job description

JTM Foods, LLC in Chicago, IL seeks an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA department, oversee food safety, quality programs, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced bakery.

You will develop and maintain SQF/HACCP systems, manage audits, coach a QA team, and drive continuous improvement in product quality and waste reduction.

This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits, Monday–Friday schedule, and growth opportunities for leaders committed to food safety.