Quality Assurance Specialist

Hoogwegt Group; Lake Forest, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Open culture

Autonomy in role

Growth opportunities

Competitive compensation

Global backing

Job summary

Hoogwegt Group in Lake Forest, IL is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to anchor our Dairy Essentials quality program and coordinate between local commercial teams and global operations. You will lead the QMS implementation, manage supplier approvals, drive root-cause investigations, and ensure FDA and GFSI compliance, translating safety data into actionable decisions in a fast-paced environment.

This role requires hands-on leadership, willingness to travel to supplier sites, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Approximately 4 years of hands-on quality assurance experience within food manufacturing, processing, or distribution.
• Background in dairy products strongly preferred.
• Experience managing FDA regulations and GFSI standards (SQF and/or IFS).
• Direct experience executing claims handling, QMS maintenance, and supplier approval programs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with cross-functional influence.
• Independent, self-directed working style with ability to travel to supplier sites.

Responsibilities

• Implement, optimize, and maintain our internal Quality Management System (IFS) to align with FDA regulations and GFSI standards (SQF/IFS).
• Lead end-to-end root cause investigations for technical quality claims and drive corrective actions.
• Own the full supplier approval lifecycle, including audits, documentation, and vendor performance management.
• Monitor evolving food safety legislation and implement changes across the supply chain.
• Maintain and execute robust product recall protocols to safeguard integrity and safety.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to provide rapid technical insights and regulatory guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Quality systems implementation

Root cause analysis

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

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