SQF Practitioner

The Judge Group; Forest Park (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Professional development support

SQF/HACCP certification support

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Food Safety Team Lead / SQF Practitioner for a USDA-inspected food manufacturer in the Chicagoland area. You will lead SQF compliance, coordinate HACCP, GMP, and SSOP programs, and act as the liaison to USDA/FSIS while supporting cross‑department collaboration.

You will train staff, oversee audits, manage third‑party inspections, monitor product specifications, and drive continuous improvement in food safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience as SQF Practitioner in a USDA-inspected facility.
• Proven ability to lead HACCP, GMP, SSOP programs and employee training.
• Strong liaison with USDA/FSIS and internal QA across departments.

Responsibilities

• Manage the SQF application process and implement SQF requirements with the QA Manager.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and SQF programs and manage USDA-mandated programs.
• Own communication with USDA and FSIS and lead third-party inspections.
• Oversee training and cross-training for department staff on HACCP, GMP, SOPs, QAPs, and safety policies.
• Support QA and cross-train to cover during absences and ensure adherence to all rules.

Skills

SQF Practitioner

Food Safety

HACCP

GMP

SSOP

USDA/FSIS liaison

Audits & inspections

Training & development

Cross-department collaboration

Communication

Job description

Food Safety Team Lead / SQF Practitioner

Location: Chicagoland (West Suburbs)
Department: Quality
Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager & Director of Operations

Overview

A USDA-inspected food manufacturer is looking for a Food Safety Team Lead to serve as the site’s SQF Practitioner. This role requires an absolute commitment to food safety, strong team building within and across departments, and a drive for quality excellence. The Food Safety Team Lead reports all food safety issues immediately to the Quality Assurance Manager and Director of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the SQF application process and implementation of SQF requirements, including employee training, programs, and systems, alongside the QA Manager
• Help manage all USDA-mandated programs and ensure compliance with HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and SQF programs
• Own communication with USDA and FSIS
• Lead and participate in all third-party inspections and audits
• Help manage and ensure compliance with company and customer specifications
• Evaluate all GMPs, SOPs, and SSOPs for effectiveness and recommend improvements
• Provide and coordinate training and cross-training for department employees, including HACCP, GMPs, SOPs, QAPs, and other safety and quality policies
• Support the Quality department and cross-train to cover during absences
• Ensure all rules and regulations are followed by employees

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing and walking
• Occasional pushing and pulling

Work Environment

• Cool temperatures, approximately 40°F
• Constant or intermittent noise at levels that can be distracting

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Opportunities for professional development and SQF/HACCP certification support
• Stable, established company with room to grow