Quality Manager - Food Manufacturer | Protein Products

Our client is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead the quality team at their food manufacturing facility in Chicago. This individual will oversee day-to-day quality operations, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and identify opportunities to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of an already well-established quality department.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established food manufacturer specializing in high-quality meat and protein products. With decades of industry experience, they offer a diverse portfolio ranging from fresh and processed products to convenient, ready-to-eat solutions serving a variety of customers and markets.

The company has built its reputation around quality, food safety, innovation, and operational excellence. By combining trusted sourcing practices with modern manufacturing processes, they consistently deliver products that meet high standards for quality and reliability.

With a continued focus on continuous improvement, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, our client remains a trusted partner across retail, food service, and private-label markets.

Description

• Quality Control Oversight: Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes to ensure that all meat products meet or exceed regulatory, safety, and customer standards.
• Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA) and company-specific policies, overseeing audits and certifications to maintain product integrity and safety.
• Team Leadership: Lead and train a team of quality assurance specialists, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-performance standards within the production environment.
• Inspection & Testing: Conduct regular inspections, testing, and sensory evaluations of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to identify and resolve any quality issues.
• Root Cause Analysis: Investigate and troubleshoot product defects or deviations, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to mitigate future occurrences.
• Supplier & Vendor Management: Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the quality of raw materials and components, conducting audits and assessments as necessary.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed records of quality control activities, test results, audits, and corrective actions, preparing regular reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to optimize production processes, reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance overall product quality through data analysis and performance metrics.
• Customer Interaction: Handle customer complaints related to product quality, working closely with the customer service team to address issues and implement solutions.
• Health & Safety: Promote and enforce workplace health and safety standards, ensuring that all staff adhere to safety protocols during the production and handling of meat products.

Profile

• 3+ years of managerial experience within Food Manufacturing
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Direct USDA Experience, Direct Meat Manufacturing Experience
• Other qualifications listed in the key responsibilities
• Sponsorship not provided

Job Offer

• Compensation up to $100,000 depending on experience
• Paid Time Off
• Company covers 100% of premium on dental and vision
• Company covers 90% of premium on medical
• 401K match of 4%

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.