Quality Director

Michael Page; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a senior Quality Assurance and Food Safety leader for a rapidly growing food manufacturing client in the Chicago area. The role spans development and maintenance of QMS, incident investigations, and continuous improvement across multiple facilities.

You will oversee food safety programs, regulatory liaison, supplier quality, and audits, while driving performance metrics and coaching a team of professionals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 8+ years leading QA and food safety in a food manufacturing setting.
• 5+ years leading quality and food safety teams across multiple sites.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, preventive controls, and GFSI standards.
• Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies and third-party auditors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain company-wide Quality Management Systems.
• Lead investigations into quality incidents and customer complaints with root cause analysis.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions and verify effectiveness.
• Lead food safety programs including HACCP, preventive controls, and allergen controls.
• Coordinate supplier quality assurance, audits, and supplier performance improvements.
• Present metrics to executive leadership and mentor staff across locations.

Skills

Quality leadership

Food safety

Regulatory knowledge

Auditing

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related technical discipline

Tools

Quality management software

Job description

Quality Assurance And Food Safety Leadership

Our client is a rapidly growing food manufacturing organization recognized for delivering high-quality products through innovation, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to food safety. The company serves customers across multiple channels and is committed to maintaining industry-leading quality standards while supporting continued growth and expansion.

Job Description

Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide Quality Management Systems aligned with recognized industry standards and customer requirements. Establish, monitor, and report key quality performance metrics across multiple facilities. Lead investigations into quality incidents, customer complaints, and product non-conformances utilizing structured root cause analysis methodologies. Drive corrective and preventive action programs to support continuous improvement initiatives. Provide leadership for food safety programs, hazard analysis systems, and preventive control initiatives. Maintain and oversee facility-specific food safety plans and prerequisite programs including sanitation, allergen controls, environmental monitoring, supplier management, and pest prevention. Lead recall preparedness activities and crisis management processes, including mock recall exercises and corrective action follow-up. Serve as the primary liaison for regulatory agencies and external auditors. Ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements. Lead certification audits and maintain required food safety certifications. Monitor emerging regulatory developments and implement necessary program updates. Develop and manage supplier quality assurance programs. Establish supplier approval, qualification, monitoring, and auditing processes. Collaborate with sourcing and procurement teams to address vendor quality concerns and maintain supply chain compliance. Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives where necessary. Partner with Operations, Product Development, Supply Chain, and other functional leaders to support business objectives. Ensure quality and food safety requirements are integrated into new product development and commercialization activities. Participate in leadership discussions related to company strategy, operational performance, and risk management. Present quality and food safety performance metrics to executive leadership as required. Recruit, develop, and mentor quality and food safety professionals across multiple locations. Establish performance objectives and development plans for direct reports. Deliver organization-wide food safety and quality training programs. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

The Successful Applicant

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related technical discipline. 8+ years of progressive Quality Assurance and Food Safety leadership experience within a food manufacturing environment. 5+ years of experience leading quality and food safety teams. Demonstrated experience managing quality systems across multiple manufacturing sites. Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, HACCP principles, preventive controls, and GFSI-recognized standards. Experience working directly with regulatory agencies and third-party auditors. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to travel regularly between manufacturing facilities. Advanced degree in Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Experience within highly regulated protein, meat, poultry, prepared foods, or refrigerated food environments. Professional certifications such as: PCQI, HACCP Certification, SQF Practitioner or Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM/OE), ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA). Experience with quality management systems and food safety software platforms.

What's On Offer

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience. 140-170k Base Salary. Performance-based bonus opportunity. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement savings plan with company contribution. Paid time off and company-recognized holidays. Career development and advancement opportunities.