Quality Assurance Manager

Judge Direct Placement; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager in the Food Manufacturing Industry. Local only up to an hour commute; onsite role based in Illinois. QA leadership, HACCP, GMP, and BRCGS programs drive our quality strategy and regulatory compliance.

Lead QA and production staff, oversee audits and supplier verification, and collaborate with procurement, product development, and regulatory affairs to ensure product safety and quality across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of QA experience in food manufacturing or processing.
• Demonstrated experience managing HACCP, GMP, and BRCGS programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• PCQI or HACCP certification strongly preferred.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Ability to work onsite with occasional travel to vendors or trade events.

Responsibilities

• Quality Program Leadership - Build, implement, and maintain comprehensive QA programs and policies aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Food Safety Management - Oversee HACCP, GMP, and related food‑safety systems. Conduct audits, risk assessments, and ensure compliance with FDA and state regulations.
• Team Leadership - Supervise, mentor, and develop QA and production staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Process Improvement - Analyze production data, lab results, and customer feedback to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.
• Documentation & Reporting - Maintain accurate QA records, corrective actions, and inspection logs. Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Training & Education - Develop and deliver training on food safety, hygiene, allergen control, and quality standards.
• Supplier Verification - Partner with Procurement to audit suppliers, review ingredient specs, and ensure all materials meet strict quality criteria.
• Product Development Support - Collaborate with production teams to evaluate new recipes, ingredients, and packaging within QA guidelines.
• Customer & Regulatory Communication - Serve as a technical resource for customers and regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and transparent communication

Skills

QA Leadership

HACCP

GMP

BRCGS

Microsoft Office

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager in the Food Manufacturing Industry.

Local only up to an hour commute

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of QA experience in food manufacturing or processing
• Demonstrated experience managing HACCP, GMP, and BRCGS programs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• PCQI or HACCP certification strongly preferred
• Bilingual skills a plus
• Ability to work onsite with occasional travel to vendors or trade events

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality Program Leadership - Build, implement, and maintain comprehensive QA programs and policies aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Food Safety Management - Oversee HACCP, GMP, and related food‑safety systems. Conduct audits, risk assessments, and ensure compliance with FDA and state regulations.
• Team Leadership - Supervise, mentor, and develop QA and production staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Process Improvement - Analyze production data, lab results, and customer feedback to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.
• Documentation & Reporting - Maintain accurate QA records, corrective actions, and inspection logs. Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Training & Education - Develop and deliver training on food safety, hygiene, allergen control, and quality standards.
• Supplier Verification - Partner with Procurement to audit suppliers, review ingredient specs, and ensure all materials meet strict quality criteria.
• Product Development Support - Collaborate with production teams to evaluate new recipes, ingredients, and packaging within QA guidelines.
• Customer & Regulatory Communication - Serve as a technical resource for customers and regulatory bodies, ensuring timely and transparent communication