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Form of workJob Description
Title: Director of Quality Assurance
Location: Skokie, IL
Overview:
Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Job Summary:
- This Director position plays a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating food safety and quality management within the organization. Through robust prerequisite programs, floor-level supervision, and fostering a culture of food safety, the Director ensures the organization meets its objectives. Leading a team covering two facilities and 30+ work centers in a 24/7 operation, this role is integral to the Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic and financial plans aligned with the company's mission and vision.
Job Duties:
- Act on reportable food safety and quality issues, collaborating with other Directors as needed.
- Oversee all aspects of food safety within the organization.
- Provide strategic guidance for organizational growth as part of the senior management team.
- Develop, enhance, and implement food safety and quality system policies and procedures.
- Lead the quality team, managing hiring, firing, and personnel oversight.
- Maintain HACCP certification and serve as an SQF practitioner.
- Guide the disposition of non-conforming goods and ensure safe and quality outcomes.
- Stay current with industry standards and share relevant information with management.
- Respond to customer complaints, providing corrective action and root cause analysis for non-conformities.
- Engage in GFSI, customer, or regulatory visits/audits.
- Liaise with external associations such as NCA and FARRP.
- Manage budgets for the department and address day-to-day operational inquiries.
- Coordinate contracted services for the department, such as laboratories and PCO.
- Assist in mock recalls as needed.
- Cover for QA Management and provide assistance in departmental activities as required.
- Participate in quality training for the department, covering topics such as allergen control, GMP, metal detection, etc.
- Foster leadership by creating a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the quality team supporting production operations.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressively responsible roles in quality within a food manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biological Sciences, Nutrition, or a related field required. Advanced degree is a plus.
- Excellent knowledge of regulations and requirements (FDA/GFSI).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
- Advanced knowledge of food and personal safety policies.
- Efficient time management and communication skills.
- Problem-solving ability and seeking answers to guide quality and food safety matters.
- Articulate complex food safety regulations in a simple, focused style for upper management.
- High-level strategic thinker and problem solver.
- Successful collaboration with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Development, coaching, and mentoring skills for team building.
- Effective management of priorities and deadlines.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
