Overview
Director of Quality Systems & Food Safety Jobs in Elk Grove Village, IL at Astrix
Title: Director of Quality Systems & Food Safety
Company: Astrix
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Pay Rate Low: 150000 | Pay Rate High: 150000
Title: 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
About The Role
Our client is 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.
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
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
Work Environment
- Regular presence on the production floor (variable temperatures)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs during audits or inspections
INDBH
