Quality Senior Lead - External Manufacturing

Senior Quality Lead – Co-ManufacturingFinlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.The Senior Quality Lead – Co-Manufacturing owns all quality systems, governance, and relationships associated with Finlays' third-party manufacturing network — including co-manufacturers, co-packers, warehouses, roasters, blenders, and other external partners. This role ensures that all co-manufacturing sites consistently meet quality, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements, and that Finlays maintains a robust, standardized, and risk-aware co-manufacturing program. This individual acts as both a hands-on quality leader and a strategic system owner, capable of independently driving workstreams, building strong partner relationships, and creating structure in ambiguous or immature processes.This position is hybrid, based out of the Glenview, IL office, with regular onsite presence required. Travel to co-manufacturing sites is required (approx. 30%).Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Develop and govern the quality and food safety management systems for all U.S.-based third-party manufacturing supporting Finlays Solutions.Standardize quality expectations across all co-manufacturers, and external partners, ensuring consistent application of Finlays' requirements.Create structure where processes are immature or ambiguous, establishing clear workflows, documentation, and governance.Develop and execute QA/QC programs including specifications, analytical testing plans, and verification protocols.Collaborate with R&D and Operations to define critical-to-quality parameters and food safety requirements for each product and process.Ensure regulatory and customer compliance by working directly with co-manufacturers and relevant authorities.Lead non-conformance investigations including customer complaints, ensuring timely escalation and closure.Conduct basic analytical analysis as required from time to time to confirm compliance or investigate product issues.Own the onboarding process for new co-manufacturers in alignment with Finlays' Supplier Management Program.Conduct onsite audits and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring.Champion sustainability requirements related to co-manufactured products.Build strong, trust-based relationships with external partners, acting as a confident, credible quality representative.Serve as the face of quality for all co-manufactured products.Manage customer documentation including specifications, certifications, and process information.Lead customer quality engagements including technical meetings, complaint resolution, and improvement initiatives.Ensure regulatory and portal accuracy by partnering with regulatory and customer support teams.Represent Quality in project teams, ensuring quality and food safety are embedded from development through commercialization.Proactively identify and escalate risks with clear recommendations and business-relevant context.Coordinate independently across R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Site QA to drive aligned outcomes.The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000 annually. Within this range, individual pay is determined by the work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The total compensation package for this position also includes a choice of health care plan (medical, vision, and dental insurance), a quarterly incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave and a 401(K) for all eligible employees.Bachelor's Degree in a science-based or food-industry–related field. Formal training or certifications in HACCP, FSMA/PCQI, and auditing. Better Process Control School is a plus. Minimum 5 years in Quality, Food Safety, or Technical roles within food manufacturing, with direct experience in supplier quality, co-manufacturing, or external manufacturing oversight. Auditing experience is non-negotiable — must independently plan, conduct, and report supplier audits, including follow-through. Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety legislation, and quality system standards; microbiology or product development exposure is a plus. Exceptional communication skills — confident in group settings, able to lead discussions with external partners, and synthesize technical information into clear business recommendations. Able to establish trust, influence without authority, and represent Finlays with professionalism and confidence. Advanced problem-solving and risk-assessment skills — able to identify issues early, escalate appropriately, and drive resolution. Highly organized and self-directed; able to manage multiple workstreams, create structure in ambiguous environments, and proactively communicate progress. Customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and operational realities. Willingness and ability to travel routinely (~30%), including flexibility for production-driven schedules. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfort with digital systems, portals, and documentation platforms. Self-driven and autonomous — once onboarded, must independently coordinate work, communicate updates, and manage travel and partner interactions. Chicago-area based, with ability to work hybrid from the Glenview office as needed for collaboration, product work, or lab-adjacent tasks. Experience building or managing quality systems for external manufacturing environments. Direct experience with suppliers/co-manufacturers/warehouses (required). Auditing experience — non negotiable. Willingness and ability to travel (~30%). Strong communication and presence in group settings and cross-functional forums. Comfortable leading discussions with external partners, including delivering difficult messages. Self-directed, proactive, and structured in managing workstreams and driving outcomes. Chicago-area based, with ability to work hybrid from the Glenview office.Physical Demands:Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations. Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks. Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment. Capable of safely lifting up to 25 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety. Work Environment: Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols. Ability to work in elevated positions, at up to 50 feet and using proper safety precautions. Must be able to work in limited or cramped spaces and extend arms into machinery for inspection, cleaning, or maintenance tasks, while following all established safety protocols.Quality Statement:Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to "be the best" as we produce "only the best". Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following: Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products. Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls. Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately. Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety. Adhere to all health and safety work practices. Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it. Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always. Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies. Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.Equal Opportunity Statement: Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.