Details

Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Site
On-Site
Location
Chicago, IL
Salary
$75,000.00 — $90,000.00
Industry
Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a well-established, growth-oriented food manufacturer with a strong national footprint and a reputation for consistency, innovation, and customer trust. This is a key food safety role within a high-accountability environment where audit readiness and clear systems matter every day—not just when an audit is on the calendar.

This position is open as the team strengthens its capabilities and prepares for ongoing customer expectations and unannounced GFSI audit windows. You’ll join a collaborative group that values ownership, practical problem-solving, and steady leadership—especially in fast-paced, regulated operations.

The professional who thrives here is organized, calm under pressure, and enjoys building structure that helps teams perform at a high level.

What You’ll Do

  • Maintain and strengthen the site’s SQF system, keeping it effective, current, and audit ready.

  • Lead SQF-related training so expectations are clear and consistently applied.

  • Run internal audits and follow-through—helping teams' close gaps and build repeatable habits.

  • Support ongoing certification efforts and prepare for unannounced GFSI audits.

  • Own documentation flow and systems used for food safety and compliance.

  • Partner with quality, operations, and leadership to align priorities and drive practical improvements.

  • Work closely with regulatory stakeholders in a USDA/FDA environment, maintaining professionalism and strong working relationships.

  • Help ensure food safety standards support a diverse product mix that includes proteins and prepared foods.

Who You Are

You’re someone who brings clarity to complexity. You notice what others miss, follow through, and keep a steady tone even when the day gets loud. You balance confidence with collaboration and can influence without creating friction.

You’re comfortable in regulated manufacturing, and you understand what it takes to stay ready—documentation, training, discipline, and communication.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related science field (or equivalent experience).

  • 3+ years in food safety/quality within a food manufacturing environment.

  • SQF Practitioner certification required.

  • Experience supporting SQF and/or BRC auditing and strong comfort with audit readiness.

  • Background in USDA-regulated environments preferred.

  • Comfortable using documentation platforms and technology-enabled systems.

  • Clear communicator with strong organization and follow-through.

  • Bilingual ability is a plus, not required.

Why This Role Matters

This role helps protect customer trust and strengthens the daily discipline behind food safety. Your work will influence readiness, consistency, and performance across a large, active manufacturing operation—while supporting a team that takes standards seriously and values people who lead with accountability.

If you’re drawn to environments where the expectations are high and the work is meaningful, this is the kind of role where you can make a real mark.

Reporting Structure

  • Reports to a senior leader within Food Safety & Quality.

  • Partners closely with plant quality leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Works regularly with operations teams and regulatory officials in a USDA/FDA setting.