Sr Quality Manager

Jobot; Kent (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager for our Illinois dairy manufacturing facility. You will lead and maintain food safety and quality systems across the site, oversee the QA Lab, manage a team of technicians and supervisors, and ensure FDA, USDA, SQF, and local regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of quality leadership in dairy processing, PCQI and HACCP certifications, and strong dairy science knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of quality leadership or supervisory experience in a food manufacturing environment (dairy/cheese preferred).
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and HACCP certifications are required. Certified SQF Practitioner preferred.
• Deep understanding of dairy science, milk chemistry, pasteurization requirements (PMO), fluid retention, and continuous-run plant instrumentation.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) is highly preferred to train and lead diverse production teams.

Responsibilities

• Audit & Certification Leadership: Maintain and optimize benchmark SQF Level 3 program. Lead third‑party, customer, and regulatory audits (FDA/Illinois Dept of Agriculture).
• Laboratory Management: Direct daily QA Lab operations, testing of raw milk, in‑process curd, and finished cheese varieties.
• HACCP & Food Safety Compliance: HARPC/HACCP coordinator; enforce GMPs, SSOPs, and allergen control databases.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and schedule QA supervisors, coordinators, and lab technicians.
• Vendor & Inventory Control: Oversee vendor compliance; manage hold‑and‑release for finished goods to ensure accurate inventory at distribution centers.
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations; implement CAPA.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work with Plant Operations, Sanitation, and Head Cheesemaker to optimize pasteurization, batch management, and CIP.

Skills

Quality leadership

Supervisory experience

Dairy processing knowledge

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related technical discipline

Job description

A bit about us

Founded in 2009, client is an award‑winning, state‑of‑the‑art manufacturer specializing in premium Mexican, Caribbean, and Central American style authentic cheeses and creams. Operating a heavily expanded, world‑class production plant in Illinois, we are recognized for our industry‑leading SQF Level 3 Certification, commitment to sustainability, and strict adherence to natural ingredients.

Why join us

Award‑Winning Excellence: Work for a premier, rapidly growing manufacturer with over 15 industry medals.

We produce the country’s best authentic Mexican, Caribbean, and Central American style cheeses and creams.

Job Details

3+ Years Food Safety Leadership | SQF & HACCP Certified | Dairy

Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 per year

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading, implementing, and maintaining best‑in‑class food safety and quality management systems across our Illinois manufacturing facility. This role oversees the onsite QA Lab, manages a team of technicians and supervisors, and ensures 100% compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, and local regulatory standards.

• Audit & Certification Leadership: Maintain and optimize our benchmark SQF Level 3 program. Coordinate and lead all third‑party, customer, and regulatory (FDA/Illinois Department of Agriculture) food safety audits.
• Laboratory Management: Direct the daily operations of the Quality Assurance Lab, ensuring accurate chemical, physical, and microbiological testing of raw milk, in‑process curd, and finished Hispanic cheese varieties (e.g., Oaxaca, Fresco, Cotija).
• HACCP & Food Safety Compliance: Act as the site HARPC/HACCP coordinator. Ensure strict enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and allergen control databases.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and schedule QA supervisors, coordinators, and lab technicians. Foster an environment of continuous improvement and internal career growth.
• Vendor & Inventory Control: Oversee vendor compliance requirements. Manage the hold‑and‑release program for finished goods to ensure 100% accurate, high‑quality inventory leaves the distribution centers.
• Root Cause Analysis: Spearhead investigations into customer complaints or product deviations. Author and execute robust Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Plant Operations, Sanitation, and the Head Cheesemaker to optimize pasteurization, batch management, and Clean‑in‑Place (CIP) efficiencies.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of quality leadership or supervisory experience specifically within a food manufacturing environment (dairy or cheese processing facility experience is highly preferred).
• Certifications: PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and HACCP certifications are required. Certified SQF Practitioner preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of dairy science, milk chemistry, pasteurization requirements (PMO), fluid retention, and continuous‑run plant instrumentation.
• Language Skills: Bilingual (English / Spanish) is highly preferred to effectively train and lead our diverse, close‑knit production teams.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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