Quality Assurance Specialist

Hoogwegt; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoogwegt in Lake Forest, IL is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to anchor technical quality for the Dairy Essentials unit, bridging local commercial teams with global operations and ensuring compliance across the supply chain.

You will lead the QMS implementation, manage FDA and GFSI standards, drive supplier approvals and recalls, investigate root causes, and translate safety data into actionable decisions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• Around 4 years of hands-on QA experience in food manufacturing, processing, or distribution.
• Prior dairy product experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing FDA regulations and GFSI (SQF/IFS) compliance.
• Experience with claims handling, QMS maintenance, and supplier approvals.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead QMS implementation and ensure FDA/GFSI alignment.
• Direct complaint resolutions and supplier approvals.
• Oversee audits and supplier performance programs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement across the supply chain.
• Maintain product recall protocols.
• Provide regulatory guidance and data-driven insights to commercial teams.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Regulatory Knowledge

Quality Management

Root Cause Analysis

Vendor Management

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science

Job description

In the global food and dairy industry, technical quality is the foundation of every successful partnership. As we continue to expand our footprint in the U.S. market, the Quality Assurance Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring our products and supply chain meet the exacting standards our customers expect. Focused on our Dairy Essentials business unit, you will act as the technical anchor for our Lake Forest office, serving as the primary quality link between our local commercial teams and our global operations.

In this key role, you will lead our Quality Management System implementation, direct complaint resolutions, and oversee supplier approvals to ensure full regulatory compliance across our product lines. You are a crucial link between quality standards and commercial growth, serving as the primary technical partner to internal stakeholders and external partners by translating complex safety data into actionable decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement, optimize, and maintain our internal Quality Management System (IFS) to ensure complete alignment with FDA regulations and GFSI standards (SQF/IFS).
• Lead end-to-end root cause investigations for technical quality claims, resolving vendor or customer issues with decisive corrective actions.
• Own the full supplier approval lifecycle, driving routine audits, managing documentation, and ensuring high vendor performance standards.
• Monitor changing food safety legislation and drive proactive implementation across our supply chain network.
• Maintain and execute robust product recall protocols to safeguard company integrity and safety compliance.
• Partner closely with commercial colleagues to provide rapid technical insights, regulatory guidance, and data-driven solutions.

Who You Are

You are a high-ownership quality professional who combines meticulous attention to detail with strong operational drive. You thrive in dynamic environments where you can hold complex technical information in mind while making fast, clear recommendations. You take pride in being hands-on-whether analyzing safety metrics in the office or visiting production facilities in the field to build strong vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• About 4 years of hands-on quality assurance experience within food manufacturing, processing, or distribution.
• Prior background in dairy products is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing FDA regulations and GFSI standards (SQF and/or IFS) is required.
• Direct experience executing claims handling, QMS maintenance, and supplier approval programs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a track record of effectively influencing cross-functional teams and commercial partners.
• Independent, self-directed working style within a matrixed global environment, with the flexibility to travel to supplier sites as needed.

As the largest privately owned trading company in dairy, plant-based products, and food ingredients, Hoogwegt is a true pioneer in the industry. With a global network, more than 60 years of experience, and a dedicated team of 475 employees, we generate annual revenue of approximately €4 billion.

Our Dairy Essentials business unit specializes in dairy commodity trade (such as butter, milk powders, and proteins). From our Lake Forest, IL office, we realize strong growth and offer an environment where your expertise directly impacts operational excellence across North America.

What We Offer:

• An open, collaborative, and informal company culture
• The autonomy and flexibility to shape your role and work style
• Clear opportunities for continuous professional growth and industry training
• A competitive compensation and benefits package
• A close-knit team backed by global market capabilities

Are you ready to take on a key role with a global market leader? We look forward to receiving your resume.