Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety

Amylu Foods is hiring a Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all quality and food safety programs across Amylu Foods’ two manufacturing facilities in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Who are we? Amylu Foods is a Female founded, high-growth, natural CPG company with over a century of tradition rooted in using fresh ingredients and hand-crafted recipes. As the pioneers of chicken sausage, we blend innovation with experience, bringing bold, fresh flavors to the table. From our Chicago roots, we've grown into a passionate, dedicated team of food enthusiasts, leading the category with our creative recipes, small-batch production, and constant flavor innovation. Celebrating over 100 years of culinary craftsmanship, we're expanding our offerings and distribution nationwide, launching new and exciting products that continue to redefine the protein category. Role Description The Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all quality and food safety programs across Amylu Foods’ two manufacturing facilities in Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This senior leader develops, implements, and continuously improves comprehensive product assurance programs designed to prevent or eliminate defects in new and existing products, while ensuring full compliance with all applicable food safety regulations and standards at both sites. This is a multi-site leadership role requiring regular travel between the Chicago and Milwaukee plants. The Director will ensure consistent QA and food safety standards, systems, and culture across both facilities, while adapting programs to each site’s specific operational needs. The role partners closely with Plant Managers, Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and senior leadership to embed a culture of quality and food safety excellence throughout the organization. Primary Responsibilities Quality Assurance Leadership Develop, implement, and maintain a unified Quality Management System (QMS) across both the Chicago and Milwaukee facilities, aligned with GFSI-recognized standards (SQF, BRC, or equivalent). Establish and monitor key quality metrics at each plant; analyze cross-site trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve consistent standards across both operations. Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for quality deviations, customer complaints, and non-conformances at either facility. Evaluate reports from Plant QA Managers at each site and collaborate with senior management to formulate and manage the multi-site QA fiscal budget. Ensure standardization of QA procedures, documentation, and training materials across both Chicago and Milwaukee plants while accommodating site-specific operational differences. Food Safety Program Management Serve as the company-wide PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and oversee development and maintenance of site-specific HACCP/HARPC plans for both the Chicago and Milwaukee facilities in compliance with FDA FSMA regulations. Ensure all food safety prerequisite programs (PRPs) – including sanitation, pest control, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and supplier controls – are implemented consistently and effectively at both plants. Direct recall readiness and crisis response protocols across both facilities; lead multi-site mock recall exercises and coordinate actual recall events if needed. Ensure compliance with USDA/FSIS regulations applicable to prepared meat products, including HACCP regulations (9 CFR Part 417), at each manufacturing location. Regulatory Compliance & Audits Serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies (USDA/FSIS, FDA) during inspections and audits; manage responses to 483 observations, NOIEs, and NRs. Prepare for and manage third-party food safety certification audits; maintain certifications required by retail and foodservice customers. Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and industry developments; update programs proactively to maintain compliance. Develop and manage the supplier quality program including qualification, auditing, and ongoing performance monitoring of ingredient and packaging suppliers. Confer with vendor representatives to evaluate supply quality, vendor capacity, and quality standards alignment. Collaborate with Procurement to resolve supplier quality issues and ensure ingredient specifications are met. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership Partner with R&D and Operations at both facilities on new product launches, ensuring food safety and quality requirements are built in from the design stage. Collaborate with Plant Managers in Chicago and Milwaukee and top management to formulate and establish company policies, operating procedures, and strategic goals related to quality and food safety. Conduct regular management meetings with department heads at each site to establish organizational policies, coordinate cross-functional operations, and assign responsibilities. Represent QA & Food Safety on the senior leadership team; present consolidated multi-site quality performance data to the Board and executive stakeholders as needed. Team Development Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing QA and food safety team across both the Chicago and Milwaukee plants; set clear goals, provide coaching, and foster a consistent culture of accountability at each site. Provide direct leadership and development support to two Plant QA Managers; align their goals, priorities, and reporting to the overall multi-site QA strategy. Design and deliver standardized food safety and quality training programs for plant employees at all levels across both facilities. Review technical problems and procedures at each facility and recommend cross-site solutions or procedural changes to improve overall performance. Skills and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree in Food Science or Business Administration preferred. Minimum 8–10 years of progressive quality assurance and food safety experience in a food manufacturing environment. Minimum 5 years of direct management experience leading QA/food safety teams, preferably in a multi-site or multi-plant capacity. Demonstrated experience managing quality programs across more than one manufacturing facility simultaneously. Demonstrated experience in the meat, poultry, or prepared foods industry strongly preferred. Proven track record managing USDA/FSIS and FDA regulatory relationships. Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI (approximately 30–40% of time). Deep knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, FDA FSMA, HACCP, and GFSI standards. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficiency in statistical quality tools and root cause methodologies (8D, Fishbone, 5-Why). Exceptional communication and influencing skills; ability to present complex technical information to executive and non-technical audiences. Proficiency in quality management software (e.g., SafetyChain, Alchemy, or similar). Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Preference given for the following certifications: PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) – FDA FSMA; HACCP Certified (IAFP, ASQ, or equivalent); SQF Practitioner or Lead Auditor certification; ASQ Certified Quality; Manager (CQM/OE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Salary Range $140,000 - $170,000 Amylu Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirm Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr