Job description
NorthStar Foods, a premium producer of ready-to-eat and shelf-stable foods, is seeking a results-driven Quality Assurance Manager to join our Chicago team. This role leads the QA program across production, packaging, and warehouse operations, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while driving continuous improvement.
In this position, you will partner with R&D, Nutrition, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to deliver on our quality objectives, steward product integrity from supplier to shelf, and coach a growing QA team in a fast-paced environment.
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to influence a portfolio of consumer-loved foods sold nationwide.
Responsibility
- Lead the development and execution of the site wide quality assurance program across production, packaging, and warehouse operations.
- Develop and enforce HACCP, GMP, SSOP, and FSMA compliant processes.
- Manage internal audits and coordinate external certifications with minimal disruption to production.
- Oversee supplier quality management, vendor approvals, and incoming goods inspection.
- Lead root cause analysis and CAPA investigations to prevent recurrence.
- Review quality data, trend analysis, and release decisions for finished products.
- Collaborate with R&D and Manufacturing to drive continuous improvement and product quality.
- Mentor and develop the QA team, set performance objectives, and support cross-functional initiatives.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing or a closely related sector
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and regulatory requirements applicable to packaged foods
- Proven experience with internal and external audits and third-party certifications
- Excellent problem solving, root cause analysis, and CAPA leadership
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to coach and develop teams
- Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with QA software, Excel, and ERP systems such as SAP
- Excellent communication and cross functional collaboration skills