Quality Control Lead - Chicago in Chicago, Illinois at U.S. Spice Mills, Inc.

• Company: U.S. Spice Mills, Inc.
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Reports To: QA Supervisor
• Position Type: Full-Time, Onsite
• Pay Rate Range: $28.00 - $33.00
• Shift: Predictable First Shift (6:30 AM - 3:00 PM), Monday to Friday. Enjoy your evenings! Occasional Saturday overtime as needed.
• Language Requirements: Bilingual English and Spanish

We’ve been flavoring America since 1986. As a major supplier of pure, high-quality spices to the food industry, we combine the stability of an established company with the welcoming, collaborative vibe of a family-centric environment. We care about our products, but we care about our people more.

The QA Lead is a hands-on leadership and laboratory role in a food production environment responsible for coordinating daily quality control activities, coaching, and instructing QC Technicians, and ensuring all products, processes, and personnel adhere to established specifications, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory guidelines. Moving beyond routine testing, this role serves as the key point of contact for floor-level problem solving, data verification, and food safety compliance within the facility.

1. Leadership, Training & Oversight

• Oversee QA Team daily floor operations, coordinate schedules, and assign tasks to QC Technicians to ensure total shift coverage for all required tasks.
• Audit and verify the completion of critical quality checks performed by technicians, including Sieve Analysis, Pre-Operational Equipment Checks, Environmental/ATP Swabs, Allergen Testing, Magnet Checks, and Metal Detector Verifications.
• Coach and train QC Technicians and production staff on GMPs, allergen controls, and testing methodologies.

2. Documentation, Compliance & Verification

• Review and audit all hard copy Quality Documentation for accuracy and completeness before final submission to the QA Supervisor.
• Oversee and authorize the Product disposition process within the ERP system, ensuring non-conforming products are properly segregated.
• Ensure the plant remains in an audit-ready state according to FSQA standards and regulatory guidelines.

3. Advanced Lab & Sample Management

• Maintain ultimate accountability for the QA activities including but not limited to lab cleanliness, and safety of the laboratory and all retains.
• Create and maintain an effective system of coordination/organization to ensure ease of access and compliance.
• Oversee the processing and fulfillment of Customer Sample Requests, ensuring they meet exact client specifications.
• Manage the pipeline for R&D Trial Samples and coordinate testing schedules with 3rd Party Labs for external validation.
• Monitor laboratory inventory, manage vendor relations for testing media, and approve the replenishment of lab supplies.

4. Food Safety, CAPA & Problem Solving

• Lead risk analysis & assessment initiatives when quality deviations occur on the production floor.
• Take full ownership of the customer Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) process, investigation of root causes, and implementation of effective solutions.
• Conduct advanced testing when required, including overseeing Monthly Titration Chemical Tests and product organoleptic inspections.

• Work Authorization: All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• Experience: 3+ years of progressive FSQA experience is required, preferably within the food manufacturing or spice industry. Prior experience in a senior tech, lead, or supervisory capacity is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with inventory or quality software (experience with ERP systems is a strong asset). Deep understanding of food safety chemistry and microbiology sampling, as well as familiarity of mechanical food safety controls (metal detectors, magnets, sieves).
• Core Competencies: Must be meticulous, extremely detail-oriented, and highly organized. Demonstrated ability to problem-solve under pressure and communicate technical solutions effectively to both line workers and upper management. Strong, collaborative communication style necessary for leading teams and working closely with production.

• Safety First: Commitment to consistently wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and strictly following food safety guidelines.
• Sensory Environment: This position is based on-site in our spice processing facility. You should be completely comfortable working around strong, rich spice aromas, dust, and active moving equipment.
• Physical Stamina: This role may require some standing, walking, and bending. You must also have the ability to lift up to 51 pounds if ever required.

U.S. Spice Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, promote a safe and inclusive working environment, and welcome self-starters from all backgrounds to apply.

In accordance with Illinois state regulations, the compensation range provided reflects our good faith hourly rate for this role. Final starting pay is determined by various factors, such as specific shift assignments, relevant transferable skills, and prior operational experience.