Quality Manager - Food

Job DescriptionJob Description

Job Title: Quality Control Manager
Location: Wheeling, IL & Bensenville, IL (onsite, rotational between facilities)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Control Manager to lead operations at our artisan baked goods manufacturing facilities in Wheeling and Bensenville, IL. This role is responsible for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality across 24/7 production operations.

You will oversee a talented team of QC supervisors and technicians, drive quality and safety initiatives, and maintain the highest standards in artisan food production. This role requires a seasoned professional with both leadership acumen and deep knowledge of food manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop QC supervisors and technicians across multiple shifts and facilities.
• Oversee QC testing, sanitation, and water treatment to maintain food safety standards.
• Ensure product quality and compliance through QA and QC oversight.
• Manage recalls, allergens, and traceability programs.
• Conduct or oversee internal and third-party audits (FDA, USDA, Military, SQF, Costco, Walmart).
• Participate in regulatory and customer audits and provide actionable insights.
• Implement and monitor continuous improvement initiatives in production and quality processes.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in food manufacturing QC, preferably in bakery or artisan production.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing QC teams, lab staff, or supervisors.
• Proven experience with regulatory compliance: HACCP, SQF, FDA, GFSI.
• Experience with third-party audits (FDA, USDA, Military, Costco, Walmart ).
• Strong analytical and computer skills (Excel, Outlook, ERP/LIMS familiarity).
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multi-site operations.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with allergen control, labeling, traceability, and lab testing (micro, chemical, sensory).
• Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification.
• Multi-site quality management experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish ).
• Culinary background aligned with artisan products.
• Knowledge of USDA, FDA, Organic, and Kosher regulations.
• Experience with small batch production and analog equipment (vertical mixers, sheeting equipment).
• Track record of driving food safety culture initiatives.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Autonomy & Impact: Lead QC operations and shape quality standards across multiple facilities.
• Hands-On Leadership: Engage directly with production teams and make a measurable difference.
• Growth Potential: Opportunities to influence operations and advance as the company expands.
• Dynamic Environment: Be part of a team producing high-quality artisan baked goods for a wide variety of clients.

Compensation: Competitive base salary with performance incentives.
Schedule: Full-time, onsite. Some rotational oversight between Wheeling and Bensenville locations.