QA MANAGER

Quality Assurance Manager – Food Ingredients (Gelatin & Collagen)

Location: Schiller Park, IL Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Quality Assurance Manager to lead our Quality team at our Chicago manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within a gelatin and collagen manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong knowledge of food manufacturing quality systems, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across Operations, Regulatory, Sales, R&D, and Supply Chain. Experience in the gelatin, collagen, protein ingredients, meat, or food ingredients industry is highly preferred. Spanish-English bilingual candidates are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage the Quality Assurance team, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance development.

· Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (when applicable), GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and customer requirements.

· Maintain and continuously improve the site's Food Safety and Quality Management System.

· Lead internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits (FSSC 22000, SQF, BRC or equivalent).

· Manage customer complaints, non-conformances, CAPA investigations, root cause analysis, and effectiveness verification.

· Oversee product release activities, quality documentation, specifications, COAs, and change management.

· Monitor microbiological, chemical, and physical testing programs.

· Partner with Operations to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

· Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and training programs.

· Support supplier qualification and supplier audits.

· Analyze quality KPIs and prepare reports for leadership.

· Promote a strong food safety and quality culture.

· Other duties as needed.

Key Competencies

· Leadership and people development

· Food Safety & Quality Systems

· Regulatory Compliance

· Customer Focus

· Continuous Improvement

· Root Cause Analysis

· Risk Assessment

· Change Management

· Decision Making

· Cross-functional Collaboration

· Strong written and verbal communication

Why Join Us?

Join a global leader in the gelatin and collagen ingredients industry, where quality, innovation, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence while leading a talented and dedicated quality team.

We offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security, and work–life balance, including:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage: Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, and more

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• 12 paid holidays each year

• Annual bonus opportunity* based on individual goals and overall company performance

• Employee recognition programs that celebrate your contributions

• Company-sponsored engagement and team-building events              

Qualifications - Required

· Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Engineering, or related field.

· Minimum 5 years of Quality Assurance leadership experience in food manufacturing.

· Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, CAPA, Root Cause Analysis, FSMA, FDA regulations, and Food Safety Management Systems.

· Experience leading internal and external audits.

· Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in gelatin, collagen, protein ingredients, meat processing, nutraceutical ingredients, or specialty food ingredients.

· Experience with FSSC 22000, SQF, BRCGS, or ISO 22000.

· PCQI certification.

· HACCP certification.

· Internal Auditor certification.

· Spanish-English bilingual.