Pay Rate Low: 150000 | Pay Rate High: 160000

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

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About the Role

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.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Regulatory Compliance

• 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

Quality Systems & Operational Excellence

• 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

Cross-Functional Leadership

• 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

Team Development

• 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

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Qualifications

• 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

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Work Environment

• 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

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