Quality Systems Manager

Chem-Impex Quality Systems Leadership RoleChem-Impex International is a family-owned distributor and manufacturer of high purity research chemicals serving the global life science research community, including peptide chemistry, amino acids, and diagnostics. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Wood Dale, IL, we support a catalog of 32,000+ products and are known for quality, accuracy, and reliability. As we scale, we are investing in stronger systems and operational discipline to support continued growth.Why This Role ExistsThis is a hands-on Quality Systems leadership role responsible for owning and evolving our ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). This role is critical to how we scale ensuring quality systems remain strong, consistent, and able to support increasing operational and customer demands without relying on reactive problem-solving.What You'll OwnQuality System Ownership & Audit ReadinessOwn and continuously improve the ISO 9001 Quality Management SystemMaintain audit readiness across internal, customer, and third-party auditsManage document control (SOPs, Work Instructions) and training alignmentTrack and report weekly quality metrics and trendsEnsure systems remain aligned with how work is carried outNonconformance, CAPA & Root CauseLead the Material Review Board (MRB) for nonconforming materialsOwn nonconformance investigations from initiation through closure (internal and customer)Strengthen and standardize the CAPA systemDrive structured root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)Manage quarantine inventory and material dispositionClose Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs)Change Control & GovernanceLead Change Review Board (CRB) and change control governanceImplement and maintain a risk-based change control frameworkEnsure consistent application across teams and functionsSupplier QualityDevelop supplier qualification and performance programsImplement risk-based supplier segmentation and monitoringPartner cross-functionally to resolve supplier quality issuesData Integrity & Documentation SystemsImprove SDS (Safety Data Sheet) lifecycle management and governanceEnsure alignment across SDS, CoA, specifications, and internal recordsEstablish standards for data integrity, traceability, and GHS complianceOperational Quality ProgramsManage equipment calibration program (no overdue items)Oversee chemical disposal program and vendor coordinationWhat You Bring5–10+ years in Quality Systems / QA (chemical, pharma, or regulated manufacturing)Experience leading or developing a small teamStrong working knowledge of ISO 9001 (cGMP familiarity preferred)Experience building or improving CAPA, change control, audits, or supplier quality systemsComfortable leading cross-functional governance forums (MRB, CRB, or similar)Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)ASQ certification (CMQ/OE, CQA) a plusWhat Success Looks LikeA structured, scalable, consistently applied QMSStrong audit readiness with minimal reactive fixesEffective CAPA and change control systems with clear ownershipNonconformances and SCARs closed on time with root cause resolutionImproved supplier accountability and visibilityReliable, consistent quality data and documentationWhy Join UsDirect ownership of the quality system at a growing companyOpportunity to build structure during a key scaling phaseHigh visibility and collaboration with leadershipReal impact on how the business operates as it growsCompensation$100,000 – $130,000 base salary + target 7% annual performance bonus (based on individual and company performance)BenefitsMedical, Dental, and Disability Insurance401(k) with company matchPaid Time OffEqual Opportunity EmployerChem-Impex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, citizenship and immigration status, order of protection status, arrest record, reproductive health decisions, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.