Quality Assurance Manager

JTM Foods, LLC | Chicago, IL

Full-Time | Monday–Friday

Salary: $90,000-$100,000 annually

Are you passionate about food safety, quality, and leading a team that takes pride in producing exceptional products?

At JTM Foods, we believe quality isn't just a department — it's a commitment we make every day

Our Chicago bakery is growing, and we're looking for an experienced, hands-on Quality Assurance Manager who is ready to take ownership of our food safety and quality programs, lead a strong QA team, and help drive continuous improvement throughout our manufacturing operation.

If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, developing people, and making a real impact in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you

As our Quality Assurance Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring our bakery consistently meets the highest standards of food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer expectations.

Food Safety & Quality Leadership

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Quality Assurance department, including QA Technicians and laboratory personnel.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our SQF Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Maintain and manage HACCP, GMP, allergen control, pest control, sanitation, traceability, recall, and other food safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, SQF standards, customer requirements, and company policies.
• Prepare for and lead SQF certification audits, customer audits, regulatory inspections, and internal audits.
• Develop, review, and maintain quality policies, procedures, SOPs, and documentation.

Quality Control & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct and oversee routine quality inspections, internal audits, and product evaluations.
• Identify quality concerns, investigate product defects, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Operations to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
• Analyze quality data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to reduce waste, rework, and product defects.
• Ensure testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operating accurately.
• Develop and improve inspection plans, testing methods, and quality control procedures.
• Promote a proactive food safety culture throughout the facility.

Team Development & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and develop QA team members to ensure consistent execution of quality standards.
• Provide food safety, GMP, and quality training to production employees and leadership.
• Hold team members accountable for following established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate quality concerns, corrective actions, and improvement opportunities to plant leadership.
• Build strong working relationships across departments while maintaining the integrity of our food safety programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Food Quality Assurance or a related quality management role.
• Minimum of 3 years of management or supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing environment required; bakery experience is a plus.
• HACCP Certification required.
• SQF Practitioner Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FDA regulations, food safety systems, and sanitation controls.
• Experience preparing for and managing food safety and quality audits.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.