• Have a solid understanding of Quality standards such as:
o Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
o Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
o Good Hygiene & Sanitation Practices (GHSP)
o Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
o Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification
• Practice and ensure adherence to all company GMP’s, Food Safety and Food Quality policies and
procedures.
o Including but not limited to: SQF, HACCP, Preventive Controls, SOP’s, GMP’s, Recall Program,
Allergen Program, Food Defense, SSOP’s, and Pest control programs.
o Update and develop the policies and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with the latest
regulations.
o Ensure all Quality, Sanitation, and Regulatory documentation is completed and maintained.
o Complete verification and validation activities.
o Initiate and lead non-conformance & complaint investigations regarding raw material failures,
finished goods failures, and customer complaints.
• Perform risk analysis, root cause analysis, develop a corrective/ preventive action plan, implement the
plan, and submit a summary report for project closure.
• Ensures all products meet regulatory standards of FDA, EPA, and Illinois State.
o Acts as a liaison between the company and federal, state and/or local regulatory agencies.
• Serve as Recall Coordinator, conduct mock recalls, and forward & backward traceability exercises.
• Communicate with suppliers & corporate office regarding quality, safety, including coordinating holds.
• Supervise daily laboratory operations, sanitation, and Quality staff.
o Manage the design and implementation of quality related training for Quality and plant
personnel.
• Maintains a functional, and operational, laboratory while complying with GLP’s.
o Update and maintain laboratory instrumentation and procedures manuals.
• Conduct internal audits as well as prepare for customer and 3rd party food safety audits.
o Including inspections that uphold the Identity Preserved status of applicable raw materials or
finished products (for example: Kosher, Halal, Organic, Non-GMO)
• Direct and coordinate the overall quality specifications and standards for raw materials, processes, and
finished goods.
o Ensure the food safety of all materials, processes, and finished goods to meet company and
customer specifications and standards.
o Coordinates and directs inspection and testing procedures for materials, processes, and finished
goods.
• Design and oversee sanitation (CIP & COP) protocols and procedures for the facility to ensure a clean
and safe production environment.
o Implement and manage the master sanitation schedule, and training programs for employees, to
maintain a hygienic workplace.
• Coordinate cleaning, sanitation, and pest control activities to prevent contamination and uphold
regulatory standards.
o Including, but not limited to; managing the Allergen Control Program & Environmental Control
Program
o Manage and document swabbing.
o Regularly inspect and assess sanitation processes and equipment to identify areas for
improvement.
• Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods for analyzing data related to quality and sanitation
performance to evaluate current process and identify potential process changes or areas of
improvement.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to team members, fostering a culture of accountability and
continuous improvement.
Education and Skills
• B.S. in Food Science or related field
• Experience in an aseptic high-acid manufacturing environment or related fields
• Understanding of sanitation (including CIP & COP) best practices, chemical handling, and equipment
cleaning
• Minimum 5 years managing staff
• High level of proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• HACCP Certification
• PCQI Certification
• GFSI Certification (SQF is ideal)
• Experience with RedZone Compliance is a plus.
• Fluent speaking, writing, and reading in English.
• Technical capacity with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a multitude of variables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient Leadership skills
• Solid time management and organizational skills
• Excellent planning and analytical skills
• Technical capacity with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a multitude of variables.
