Quality Control Manager| Direct Hire

Quality Control Manager Northbrook, IL Competitive Salary + Full Benefits Package Direct Hire Opportunity Our client is seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality Control Manager to lead all Quality Control operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This individual will play a critical leadership role in ensuring products consistently meet safety, quality, customer, and regulatory standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. We are specifically seeking candidates with strong laboratory experience and proven experience managing and developing QC laboratory teams in food, flavor, beverage, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing environments. This is a highly hands-on management role that requires someone who can lead from the floor, support investigations, mentor staff, and collaborate cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Procurement, and Quality Assurance teams. Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee all Quality Control laboratory operations, including: Analytical testing Microbiological testing Sensory/organoleptic evaluation programs Provide hands-on leadership and day-to-day support to QC laboratory staff Manage hiring, training, coaching, scheduling, and development of laboratory personnel Ensure timely release of raw materials and finished goods according to specifications Lead investigations involving non-conforming materials, OOS results, deviations, and CAPAs Monitor laboratory performance metrics, KPIs, workload, and continuous improvement initiatives Maintain compliance with cGMP, GLP, HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA, and customer requirements Support customer audits, regulatory inspections, and internal quality audits Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and vendor coordination Partner closely with Operations, R&D, and QA teams to improve quality systems and production efficiencies Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or related scientific field preferred Minimum 5+ years of Quality Control and laboratory experience within: Food manufacturing Flavor/fragrance Beverage Pharmaceutical Regulated manufacturing environments Minimum 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a laboratory setting MUST have strong hands-on laboratory management experience Strong understanding of FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, and food safety regulations Experience working in GFSI/SQF-certified facilities preferred Excellent root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills Strong communication, leadership, and team development abilities Preferred Qualifications SQF Practitioner Certification USDA-regulated manufacturing experience Sensory evaluation program experience Advanced scientific degree (MS or higher) Benefits 401(k) Medical, Dental & Life Insurance Paid Time Off Retirement Plan Collaborative Team Environment This is an excellent opportunity for a strong laboratory leader looking to make an impact within a growing organization focused on quality, compliance, and operational excellence..

Pay:

$95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person