Quality Assurance Manager

NextPlay Jobs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NextPlay Jobs is seeking a hands-on Quality Manager for a high-volume food manufacturing facility in Chicago. You will lead QA, food safety program, and regulatory compliance, partnering with operations to drive continuous improvement and top-tier food safety results.

You'll develop and mentor the quality team, manage audits (HACCP, GMPs, customer and regulatory), and foster a culture of accountability and operational excellence across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field.
• Proven knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, food safety and quality systems.
• Experience in leading customer, regulatory and third-party audits.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team.
• Champion food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage HACCP, GMPs, audits, and customer quality requirements.
• Partner with Operations to improve plant performance and resolve quality issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and corrective actions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Skills

Quality leadership

Team development

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry

Tools

HACCP knowledge

GMP compliance

Auditing processes

Job description

Our client, a growing food manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Regulatory Compliance for a high-volume manufacturing facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys developing teams, partnering with operations, and driving a culture of food safety and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team
• Champion food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance
• Manage HACCP, GMPs, audits, and customer quality requirements
• Partner with Operations to improve plant performance and resolve quality issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and corrective actions
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading and developing Quality teams in a food manufacturing environment
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, food safety, and quality systems
• Experience leading customer, regulatory, and third-party audits
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in a contract manufacturing, CPG, or highly regulated manufacturing environment is preferred

If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys building high-performing teams while maintaining world-class food safety and quality standards, we'd love to connect.