Assistant Quality Systems Manager

The Assistant Quality Systems Manager supports the management, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality control programs and systems at the Elgin facility. This role assists with policy development, regulatory compliance, and the investigation and support of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). Working closely with the Quality Systems Manager, the Assistant Quality Systems Manager provides leadership and oversight to ensure consistent adoption of, and accountability to, all quality and food safety programs.

Functions of the Position:

• Provides direction to and delegates work for the EMP Quality Supervisor, including responsibility for performance evaluations, coaching, and counseling as needed.
• Develops, implements, and maintains quality and food safety policies, procedures, and training programs for Quality and cross-functional teams.
• Ensures food safety plans are maintained, verified, validated, and kept current, including monitoring, verification, and validation of CCPs, PCs, and prerequisite programs in accordance with the food safety plan.
• In alignment with SQF Practitioner guidelines, ensures protocols are followed for validating prerequisite programs and that critical food safety and food quality limits are developed, implemented, and maintained.
• Leads and participates in SQF and customer audits, ensuring readiness, compliance, and effective follow-up.
• Investigates customer and consumer complaints, implements corrective and preventive actions, and provides timely responses and reports. Serves as a technical resource to Customer Service when needed.
• Partners with all plant departments and senior leadership to continuously improve quality across raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
• Initiates and facilitates company CAPAs, working cross-functionally to ensure timely closure and validation of corrective action effectiveness.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a laboratory science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related field) is required.
• Four (4) or more years of experience managing quality operations in a food manufacturing environment is required.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations:

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification for food safety plans.
• Certified SQF Practitioner.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong communicator with hands-on experience in both food manufacturing/operations and quality control laboratory environments.
• Highly proficient with computer software and desktop applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio, and similar tools.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a customer advocate within the JBSS environment.