Quality Assurance Specialist - Decatur, IL

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for quality, food safety, and verification of conformance to regulatory requirements in support of plant operations. The position supports production by making quality decisions, investigating non‑conforming product, and providing oversight during process upsets.

• Maintain the SQF code at the facility and continuously improve the associated programs.
• Manage time to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Conduct GMP, Food Safety Plan / HACCP, and GFSI (SQF) compliance inspections.
• Perform verification checks and assessments related to process function, sanitation, procedural practices, personnel performance, and product quality.
• Work flexible hours as needed.
• Track Quality KPIs and update KPI trackers/portals/logs.
• Investigate and implement corrective and preventative actions for quality and food safety events, including customer complaints.
• Interface with facility management on findings and corrective actions.
• Conduct microbiological swabbing for environmental monitoring, monitor and report results.
• Perform root cause investigations.
• Provide guidance on sanitation methodology and cleaning tool/chemical usage.
• Order, approve, and receive supplies and services related to quality and sanitation.
• Lead sanitation team in training and verification activities.
• Collaborate with pest control provider to ensure effective pest control program.
• Conduct pre‑operation inspection of equipment after maintenance and/or sanitation.
• Verify food safety calibration and preventive maintenance activities.
• Assist facility management in assessing process deviations and responses.
• Assist with creating standard operating procedures and work instructions with food safety implications.

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field, or minimum of 3 years prior Quality Control / Assurance experience in a food facility or regulated food or drug manufacturing operation.
• Preferred SQF, or other GFSI experience or PCQI certification.
• Ability to focus on food safety and customer needs in all aspects of work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and food safety requirements.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Required computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Exposure to potential chemical and food allergens due to the nature of the business.
• The allergen Soy is present in all facilities and may be present in the air.

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Lifting or carrying of weights over fifty (50) pounds is rare; employees are encouraged to request assistance when needed.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non‑exempt employees will also receive overtime pay when eligible. The pay range for this position is expected to be between $53,100.00 - $86,600.00
.

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision, and on‑site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions, cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program, Employee Resource Groups, and Colleague Giving Programs.
• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company‑sponsored training and development resources (Linked In Learning, language training and mentoring programs).

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.