Quality Analyst

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is seeking a Quality Analyst to support our commitment to delivering safe, high‑quality food and exceptional guest experiences. This role will be part of the Supply Chain team and is located at the Restaurant Support Center in Downers Grove, IL.

• Manage quality assurance and food safety documentation for all food and beverage categories, including specifications, labeling, allergen and nutritional data, and supplier third‑party audits.
• Develop and enhance vendor performance tracking systems and scorecard programs for suppliers and distributors.
• Conduct routine product evaluations by sampling items from distribution and verifying compliance with specifications.
• Investigate product quality complaints and coordinate resolution efforts with suppliers and distributors.
• Monitor and analyze data trends related to distribution incident reports, credits, third‑party restaurant audits, health department inspections, and pest control escalations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and distributors to ensure compliance with FSMA 204 Traceability requirements.
• Serve as a power user for Cooper’s Hawk systems including Arrowstream, Smartsheets, and the incident management system.
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology for improved data quality, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness.
• Create and review SOPs and documentation supporting quality and food safety initiatives.
• Assist in managing product withdrawals, recalls, and mock recall exercises; serve as backup Recall Coordinator.
• Partner with the Culinary team to ensure allergen and nutritional data accuracy.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks to proactively adapt quality systems.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Must represent Cooper’s Hawk values.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in food quality assurance or food safety roles.
• Strong working knowledge of QA principles and regulatory frameworks including HACCP, FSMA, GFSI, SOPs, SSOPs, CAPA, nutrition, allergens, and lab testing.
• Certifications preferred: HACCP, PCQI, Serv Safe (or equivalent).
• Excellent planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Physical ability to lift product sample cases up to 40 lbs.
• Occasional travel (