Director of Quality Assurance

Director, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Location: Chicago (on‑site)

Reports to: VP of Operations

Department: Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)

Status: Exempt

We are seeking a hands‑on and strategic Director of Food Safety & QA to lead the FSQA function. This role provides operational leadership and technical direction to ensure quality, food safety, and analytical programs are effective, compliant, and continuously improving. The director will manage a high‑performing team, oversee departmental budgets, and serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, suppliers, and customers.

• Serve as site food safety leader and provide technical direction for QA systems and programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, GFSI standards, and customer expectations.
• Identify opportunities and lead initiatives to improve quality, safety, and operational processes.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the FSQA team to maintain technical expertise and high performance.
• Oversee offsite warehouse compliance, conducting audits as needed.
• Provide subject matter expertise on sanitation practices and operational efficiency.
• Interact with regulatory inspectors, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
• Direct in‑process quality control, including testing raw materials and finished goods.
• Track and report FSQA performance using KPIs and quality metrics.
• Lead investigations of customer complaints and manage internal/external audits.
• Verify adherence to HACCP, food safety programs, SOPs, and GMPs.
• Manage departmental budget and expenditures.
• Support cross‑functional initiatives, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Lead FSQA team hiring, onboarding, and talent development.
• Set clear performance standards and participate in the performance management process.
• Represent FSQA in director‑level meetings and strategic initiatives.
• Coach junior QA staff on technical and professional development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive QA and food processing experience, including management.
• In-depth knowledge of USDA/FDA regulations, GFSI standards, and industry best practices.
• HACCP and PCQI certification required.
• Proficiency in QA software and reporting tools.
• Strong written/verbal communication and decision‑making skills.

• Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000 per year
• Bonus: Annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance
• Additional compensation offerings, if any, will be based on company and/or individual performance
• Personal Time Off (PTO) is offered on an accrual basis up to 184 hours per year, 13 Paid Holidays, and up to 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave. PTO and holiday hours are prorated based on hire date within the calendar year.
• Paid Sick Leave where applicable by State law
• Benefit offerings for full‑time employment include medical, dental, vision, term life and AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, commuter benefits, wellness plans, and a 401(k) plan or a non‑qualified deferred compensation plan
• Leading Change: Drive initiatives, set goals, and hold teams accountable for results.
• Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement strategies to achieve organizational vision.
• Building Common
  
  Purpose:
  
  Collaborate with colleagues and suppliers to achieve shared goals.
• Results Oriented: Focus on outcomes while maintaining accountability and performance standards.
• Analytical Thinking: Use qualitative and quantitative data to solve problems and make decisions.

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers