Quality Control Manager

CPS, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS, Inc. is seeking an experienced Quality Control Manager to oversee laboratory and QC activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will provide leadership to the QC team, ensure materials and finished products meet regulatory and customer standards, and drive continuous improvement across QA, R&D, and production functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or related discipline.
• 5+ years in Quality Control/analytical chemistry or lab operations in manufacturing.
• 2-5 years supervising laboratory personnel.
• Knowledge of FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, cGMP, GLP and related regulations.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and analytical testing for food or flavor.
• Strong leadership, coaching and development skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with USDA-regulated processing and SQF Practitioner is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the Quality Control laboratory, including analytical, microbiological, and sensory/organoleptic testing.
• Oversee testing and approval processes to ensure raw materials and finished goods are evaluated and released within established timelines and specifications.
• Establish and evaluate QC performance metrics, using data related to laboratory workload, testing volume, turnaround times, and overall department effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and development for laboratory staff while identifying opportunities for cross-training and professional growth.
• Ensure laboratory practices and documentation comply with applicable cGMP, GLP, HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA, OSHA, customer, and internal standards.
• Coordinate activities associated with customer and regulatory audits, as well as internal quality system audits.
• Manage quality investigations involving product or material discrepancies, OOS results, customer complaints, and other quality concerns. Lead root cause investigations and implementation of CAPAs and corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve laboratory systems, including SOPs, analytical methods, validation activities, change controls, deviations, equipment calibration and qualification, and service agreements.
• Work collaboratively with R&D, Production, QA, Procurement, and senior leadership to identify quality issues, determine appropriate solutions, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a strong focus on laboratory safety, housekeeping, and compliance with established manufacturing and safety procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

Analytical chemistry

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or related discipline

Job description

Summary

We are looking for an experienced Quality Control Manager to oversee laboratory and QC activities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position will provide leadership to the Quality Control team and ensure that incoming materials, in-process materials, and finished products consistently meet company, regulatory, safety, and customer expectations.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the Quality Control laboratory, including analytical, microbiological, and sensory/organoleptic testing.
• Oversee testing and approval processes to ensure raw materials and finished goods are evaluated and released within established timelines and specifications.
• Establish and evaluate QC performance metrics, using data related to laboratory workload, testing volume, turnaround times, and overall department effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and development for laboratory staff while identifying opportunities for cross-training and professional growth.
• Ensure laboratory practices and documentation comply with applicable cGMP, GLP, HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA, OSHA, customer, and internal standards.
• Coordinate activities associated with customer and regulatory audits, as well as internal quality system audits.
• Manage quality investigations involving product or material discrepancies, OOS results, customer complaints, and other quality concerns. Lead root cause investigations and implementation of CAPAs and corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve laboratory systems, including SOPs, analytical methods, validation activities, change controls, deviations, equipment calibration and qualification, and service agreements.
• Work collaboratively with R&D, Production, QA, Procurement, and senior leadership to identify quality issues, determine appropriate solutions, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain a strong focus on laboratory safety, housekeeping, and compliance with established manufacturing and safety procedures.

Salary Range

$110,000-$130,000

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or a related scientific discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Control, analytical chemistry, or laboratory operations within a food, flavor, beverage, pharmaceutical, or comparable manufacturing environment.
• 2-5 years of experience supervising, managing, or leading laboratory personnel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, cGMP, GLP, and applicable food safety and quality regulations.
• Practical experience with sensory evaluation, organoleptic assessment, and analytical testing relevant to food or flavor manufacturing.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate laboratory employees.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and department needs while using quality data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Experience with USDA-regulated processing, an advanced scientific degree, and/or SQF Practitioner experience is preferred.

JO: 9.28.26MR