Quality Control Manager

CPS Inc.; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Available

Job summary

CPS Inc. is seeking a Quality Control Manager to oversee the laboratory and QC activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, providing leadership to the QC team and ensuring materials and products meet regulatory, safety, and customer expectations.

Based in Deerfield, IL, the role collaborates with R&D, Production, QA, and senior leadership to drive continuous improvement, ensure audits and CAPAs are effectively managed, and maintain compliant lab systems and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Control, analytical chemistry, or lab operations in manufacturing.
• 2-5 years of experience supervising laboratory personnel.
• Knowledge of FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, cGMP, GLP, and applicable quality regulations.
• Experience with sensory evaluation and organoleptic testing.
• Strong leadership, communication, and data-analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct the daily activities of the QC laboratory (analytical, microbiological, and sensory testing).
• Oversee release of raw materials and finished goods to meet timelines and specs.
• Lead root-cause investigations and CAPAs.
• Maintain laboratory systems, SOPs, validation, deviations, calibration, and service agreements.
• Coordinate internal and regulatory audits and cross-functional collaboration.
• Promote laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Quality leadership

Analytical testing

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry / related field

Job description

Quality Control Manager

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

Salary $80,000 - $120,000

Benefits Available

Benefits Available

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.