SQF Practitioner (1157356)

The Judge Group; Forest Park (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Life and disability insurance

SQF/HACCP certification support

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Judge Group seeks a Food Safety Team Lead / SQF Practitioner for our Chicagoland West Suburbs site. This role drives SQF compliance, coordinates USDA/FSIS interactions, and leads safe production practices within the Quality department.

Seeking a proactive leader with strong training skills to mentor staff and maintain robust food safety programs. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Experience leading food safety programs and SQF practitioner
• Strong HACCP, GMP, and SSOP knowledge
• Ability to coordinate USDA/FSIS communications
• Ability to train and cross-train staff

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

Job description

Location: Forest Park, IL

Salary: $75,000.00 USD Annually - $95,000.00 USD Annually

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