Quality Assurance Manager

Winland Foods, Inc.; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 93,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) with match

STD/LTD/AD&D/Life

HSA

FSA

EAP

Hospital indemnity

Accident Insurance

Identity and Fraud Protection Plan

Legal

Critical Illness

Job summary

Winland Foods is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead the QA department and drive plant quality improvements. You will develop and oversee quality processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and support audits to safeguard product safety and quality.

The role requires a BS in food science or related field with 7+ years in QA and 3-5 years in leadership, plus knowledge of FDA/USDA guidelines. On-site position in Elk Grove Village, IL with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field.
• 7+ years of food industry experience in QA; 3-5 years in leadership.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA specification regulations and documentation requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; written and verbal.
• Preferred: Contract Manufacturing experience; TPM and SAP experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage processes and procedures for plant quality improvements.
• Oversee day to day activities and manage quality department.
• Develop metrics to measure effectiveness in production quality procedures.
• Review data to understand trends and make decisions on product safety and quality.
• Ensure accurate reporting of department data and support audits.
• Lead audits (FDA, BRC, customer) and coach direct reports in performance.
• Conduct internal audits of Quality and Food Safety programs.
• Maintain knowledge of current regulations on product technology.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

QA leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Audit skills

Education

B.S. in Food Science or related field

Tools

SAP

TPM

Job description

Job Posting Title

Quality Assurance Manager

Employee Type

Full time

Job Type

Quality

Schedule

Primarily days, but must be flexible. This position supports a 24/7 plant operation.

Work Location

1325 Chase Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Location

IL Elk Grove

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications

$93k - $138k with additional bonus potential

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) with match
• STD/LTD/AD&D/Life
• HSA
• FSA
• EAP
• Hospital indemnity
• Accident Insurance
• Identity and Fraud Protection Plan
• Legal
• Critical Illness

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage processes and procedures for plant quality improvements.
• Oversee day to day activities and manage quality department.
• Develop metrics to measure effectiveness/progress in production quality procedures.
• Review and summarize data to understand trends and issues and to make decisions related to product safety and quality in areas of assigned responsibility.
• Assure the accurate reporting of all relevant department data and activities Provide support and decision making in managing situations and issues relative to quality and/or food safety as necessary.
• Assure that direct reports are adequately trained to conduct their jobs Leads FDA, BRC and customer audits Coach and counsel direct reports in their performance and professional development.
• Conduct internal audits of Quality and Food Safety programs.
• Maintain and communicate knowledge of current regulations on appropriate product technology.
• Responsible for reporting any food safety issues to supervision.
• Safely and accurately perform all duties as required for this position to ensure the safety and quality of our products.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Critical Skill Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related field.
• 7+ years of food industry experience in QA 3-5 years of department leadership Knowledge of food safety, food manufacturing processes, technologies or other relevant area of responsibility Knowledge of FDA and USDA specification regulations and documentation requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) Knowledge of thermal processes Understanding of food safety and allergens Preferred: Contract Manufacturing experience TPM experience SAP experience

Physical Demands

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to perform the following: standing, climbing, pulling, and or pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning and stooping. Ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods of time. Good physical condition with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently. Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.

Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements

Must wear all required personal protection equipment associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel. Maintain clean and safe working environment and follow all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed. Inform Management of any food safety or quality issues or of any processes which become noncompliant with specified requirements.

Food Safety

Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required. Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color‑coded container policy while in the Production Areas. Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company. Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system. Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system. Controls further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

EEO Statement

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together.

We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant‑based proteins and more.

Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private‑label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.
• People First: The safety, well‑being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward‑thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.