• 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.