Director Quality Systems

Director of Quality Systems / FSQA

Location: Greater Chicago area (NW suburbs)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1st Shift (Onsite)

Compensation: ~$150,000 base + 20% bonus opportunity

Industry: Food / Ingredient Manufacturing

A growing food and ingredient manufacturer is seeking a strategic, hands‑on Director of Quality Systems / Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) to lead enterprise‑wide food safety, quality, and regulatory initiatives. This leader will own the development and execution of a best‑in‑class Quality Management System (QMS) while ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, and GFSI standards (SQF/BRC). This is a highly visible leadership role partnering closely with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement, regulatory excellence, and a strong food safety culture across manufacturing and distribution operations.

• Develop and execute the company’s FSQA strategy aligned with business goals and customer expectations
• Ensure compliance with FSMA Preventive Controls, HACCP/HARPC, GMPs, allergen controls, and traceability requirements
• Lead regulatory inspections and serve as the primary liaison with federal, state, and local agencies
• Maintain and elevate certifications such as SQF, BRC, Organic, Kosher, Halal, and customer‑specific standards

• Oversee all FSQA programs, SOPs, and documentation systems
• Direct environmental monitoring, sanitation verification, pathogen control, and label accuracy
• Lead root cause analysis and CAPA initiatives using data‑driven KPIs
• Manage internal, external, and customer audits, including co‑manufacturer quality agreements

• Partner with Operations, R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed quality across all processes
• Support process capability improvements, hygienic design, and line validations
• Lead incident management including deviations, foreign material investigations, and recall readiness

• Lead and mentor FSQA managers, supervisors, and technicians
• Build a strong food safety culture through training and coaching
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor to support teams and drive accountability li>

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field
• 5–8+ years of progressive FSQA leadership experience in food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of FDA/USDA regulations, GFSI schemes (SQF or BRC), HACCP, and GMPs
• PCQI and HACCP certifications required
• SQF Practitioner or BRC Site Lead certification preferred
• Experience in fast‑paced manufacturing environments (co‑packing or frozen foods a plus)
• Strong analytical, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
• Lean or Six Sigma experience is a plus

• Regular presence on the production floor (variable temperatures)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs during audits or inspections
• Occasional extended hours based on operational needs