Quality Manager - USDA/Chicago

Michael Page; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Paid time off

Bonus program

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Quality Manager to lead FSQA efforts, ensure USDA compliance, and support SQF audits in a premium packaged meat and poultry facility on Chicago's near southwest side.

The role focuses on developing a strong QA team, maintaining SQF documentation, and coordinating with multiple departments to uphold high quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a USDA-influenced quality leadership role.
• Experience interacting with USDA personnel.
• Strong understanding of SQF and HACCP systems.
• Audits and corrective actions experience.
• Experience in food manufacturing and packaging environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead FSQA efforts and maintain USDA compliance.
• Oversee SQF audits and continuous improvement of the SQF system.
• Develop and mentor QA technicians and coordinators.
• Establish and maintain material inspection criteria and packaging specs.
• Coordinate with Regulatory, Sales, Production, and Quality teams.

Skills

Quality leadership

USDA experience

SQF

HACCP

Audits

Job description

As a Quality Manager, you will lead all FSQA Efforts, manage USDA compliance, assist in SQF Audits, and develop a team of technicians to continue the strong performance of the quality team.

Our client is a privately-owned company specializing in premium packaged meat and poultry products, partnering with prominent food retailers and producing brands consumers know and trust. Committed to maintaining high standards across their products and operations, they also keep a focus on responsible, humane sourcing and long-term sustainability. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to their customers, company values, and most importantly, the people who make their success possible. Their facility is conveniently located on Chicago's near southwest side, right off the interstate!

Description

• Identify and implement training requirements for facility personnel to ensure employees have the competencies necessary to support product quality, legality, and food safety.
• Oversee customer service activities, including order entry, customer satisfaction, customer communications, and coordination with Sales, Production, Laboratory, Regulatory, and Quality teams. Resolve critical customer complaints as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of SQF Code requirements and support the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the facility's SQF System.
• Establish and maintain incoming material inspection criteria and procedures.
• Develop, review, and manage packaging specifications, Bills of Materials, and other operational documentation.
• Monitor SQF programs through verification, validation, audits, inspections, and recordkeeping to maintain compliance. Conduct monthly facility, internal, and GMP audits and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Lead Food Safety and HACCP meetings and communicate SQF requirements, procedures, and controls across departments.
• Partner with management to develop and maintain company policies, SOPs, objectives, and food safety and quality initiatives.
• Serve as the facility's Substitute SQF Practitioner and Substitute HACCP Coordinator.
• Work with Sanitation to maintain and improve sanitation procedures, the Master Sanitation Schedule, and SSOPs to support effective hygienic conditions.
• Oversee the QA Microbiology Program and coordinate testing and activities with external laboratories.
• Develop and maintain workplace safety and quality assurance procedures and provide training to support company needs and initiatives.
• Assist the Regulatory Compliance Manager with food safety, quality, and regulatory certification audits and related corrective actions.
• Track non-conformances and corrective action plans, ensuring timely resolution and closure.
• Establish team and individual performance expectations, monitor productivity, and support employee development and career planning.
• Oversee pest control activities, including monitoring, documentation, exclusion, and treatment programs.
• Train employees on GMPs, HACCP, SDS/MSDS requirements, and allergen controls.
• Supervise and provide leadership to QA personnel, including QA Supervisors and QA Leads.
• Review and disposition product and participate in change control activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by business needs.
• In the absence of the Quality Assurance Manager, assume applicable responsibilities as designated by management.

Profile

• 5+ years of experience in a similar USDA environment, with quality supervision or leadership
• Ability to interact and comply with USDA personnel
• Understanding of SQF and HACCP
• SQF/HACCP Certifications are a BIG plus
• Experience in audits tied to food manufacturing
• Experience in a cold/wet room environment
• Understanding of Critical Control Points (CCP)
• Ability to create and track quality KPIs and data to leadership
• R&D or Food Science background preferred

Job Offer

• Salary range 90,000 to 125,000+, depending on experience and interviews with some flexibility
• Bonus structure set by personal and operational goals
• BCBS medical plans
• 12+ days of PTO
• More!

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.