Quality Assurance Manager – Consumer Goods – Chicago, IL
Are you a detail-oriented leader with a passion for quality and compliance in the Consumer Goods industry? We are seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to oversee product quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives for a leading consumer goods company in Chicago, IL. This is an exciting opportunity to ensure top-tier product standards, enhance customer satisfaction, and lead a high-performing quality team in a fast-paced environment. If you have a strong background in quality management, process optimization, and regulatory adherence, we want to hear from you!
Ensure Excellence in Consumer Goods Quality
A top consumer goods company in Chicago, IL, is looking for a Quality Assurance Manager to drive its quality and compliance programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality control, regulatory compliance, and process improvement within the consumer goods sector. If you are a results-driven professional with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering superior products, this role offers the perfect platform to make a significant impact in the industry.
Key Responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Manager – Consumer Goods
Quality Control & Compliance
Ensure all products meet industry regulations, company standards, and customer expectations. Oversee quality assurance protocols, conduct audits, and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance with FDA, USDA, and other relevant regulations.
Process Improvement & Standardization
Develop and implement quality control processes that enhance operational efficiency. Identify process gaps, recommend improvements, and establish best practices to optimize production workflows and minimize defects.
Supplier & Vendor Quality Management
Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure raw materials meet required quality standards. Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, conduct audits, and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
Product Testing & Defect Prevention
Lead quality testing for new and existing products, ensuring compliance with safety, durability, and performance standards. Investigate quality issues, analyze root causes, and implement preventive measures to mitigate defects and recalls.
Team Leadership & Training
Manage and develop a high-performing quality assurance team. Provide training on quality control procedures, regulatory requirements, and best practices to ensure all employees adhere to company standards.
Customer Satisfaction & Issue Resolution
Monitor customer feedback, complaints, and returns to identify quality concerns. Work cross-functionally with production, R&D, and customer service teams to resolve issues and continuously improve product quality.
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
Maintain detailed records of quality control procedures, testing results, and compliance reports. Ensure the organization is always audit-ready and compliant with relevant consumer goods regulations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with manufacturing, product development, and supply chain teams to ensure quality is integrated at every stage of production. Support new product launches with comprehensive quality assurance strategies.
Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
Identify potential quality risks and develop mitigation strategies to prevent product recalls, compliance violations, and production disruptions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma, Lean, or other quality methodologies.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Quality Assurance Manager – Consumer Goods, the client seeks a meticulous and results-driven professional with a strong background in quality control, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. You should be a proactive leader who can drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensure product excellence, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
Proven Experience in Quality Assurance
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality management within the consumer goods sector. You should have a strong track record of developing and implementing quality assurance programs, leading audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance with FDA, USDA, or other relevant industry standards. Experience in reducing defects, improving processes, and implementing industry best practices is highly valued.
Strong Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards
A thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and compliance protocols is essential for this role. The client is looking for a candidate with expertise in food safety regulations, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), ISO standards, and HACCP principles to ensure that all products meet safety and quality expectations.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
As a Quality Assurance Manager, you should possess strong analytical skills to identify defects, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions. The ability to leverage data-driven insights to improve quality control processes and optimize manufacturing efficiency is critical.
Leadership and Team Development
The client values a strong leader who can mentor, train, and inspire a high-performing quality assurance team. You should have experience in managing cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring collaboration between departments to maintain quality standards.
Expertise in Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
A key focus of this role is to enhance operational efficiency by implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. The client seeks someone who can streamline processes, reduce production errors, and enhance overall product quality.
Strong Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
The client is looking for a professional who can effectively communicate quality standards, collaborate with suppliers, and provide leadership to internal teams. Your ability to work closely with production, R&D, supply chain, and customer service teams to address quality concerns and implement proactive solutions will be essential.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction & Brand Reputation
A consumer-first mindset is crucial. The client seeks a Quality Assurance Manager who can ensure that all products meet customer expectations and uphold the brand’s reputation. Your ability to analyze customer feedback, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous product improvements will be highly valued.
FAQs About the Role – Quality Assurance Manager – Consumer Goods
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Manager in this role?
As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency. Your role includes developing and implementing quality control programs, conducting audits, overseeing inspections, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations such as FDA, USDA, GMP, ISO, and HACCP. You will also be responsible for identifying and addressing quality issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and working cross-functionally to maintain product excellence.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in quality assurance within the consumer goods industry. A bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, quality management, or a related field is preferred. Certifications in quality management systems (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001, HACCP certification) are highly desirable. The client seeks a candidate with strong problem-solving skills, experience in regulatory compliance, and expertise in implementing quality control processes.
3. What skills are essential for success in this role?
To excel in this role, you should possess:
- Strong knowledge of industry regulations (FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, etc.)
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify defects and implement corrective actions
- Leadership skills to manage and train quality assurance teams
- Attention to detail and process improvement expertise to ensure continuous quality enhancement
- Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and external auditors
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As a Quality Assurance Manager, you may face challenges such as managing compliance with evolving regulations, addressing product defects, optimizing manufacturing processes, and coordinating with multiple departments to maintain quality standards. Additionally, you will need to resolve quality issues quickly, implement preventive measures, and maintain consistency in product safety and performance.
5. How does this role contribute to the company’s success?
Your role is critical in ensuring that all consumer goods meet the highest quality and safety standards. By reducing defects, improving production efficiency, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, you will help protect the company’s reputation, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive long-term business success.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a collaborative and quality-focused work environment, emphasizing teamwork, continuous improvement, and regulatory excellence. Employees are encouraged to innovate, streamline processes, and uphold the highest quality standards to ensure that all consumer goods meet or exceed market expectations.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As a Quality Assurance Manager in the consumer goods industry, you can expect a competitive compensation package that reflects your expertise in quality control, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. The remuneration for this role typically includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Quality Assurance Manager varies depending on the company’s size, industry, and location. On average:
- Mid-sized companies offer an annual base salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000.
- Larger corporations and highly regulated industries (such as pharmaceuticals or food manufacturing) may offer salaries between $100,000 and $130,000.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Many companies provide performance-based bonuses that are tied to:
- Product quality and compliance
- Process improvements and cost reductions
- Audit success rates and defect minimization
These bonuses typically range from 5% to 20% of the base salary, depending on company performance and individual contributions.
3. Profit-Sharing & Incentive Plans
Some companies offer profit-sharing plans or long-term incentives (LTIs) to reward managers for maintaining high-quality standards and reducing production costs. These plans can contribute an additional 5% to 15% of total annual earnings.
4. Equity & Stock Options
In publicly traded companies, senior quality assurance professionals may receive stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), aligning their success with long-term company performance.
5. Benefits & Perks
Quality Assurance Managers often receive comprehensive benefits packages, which may include:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday bonuses
- Tuition reimbursement for professional certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, HACCP)
- Work-from-home flexibility (depending on the role and industry)
6. Relocation Assistance & Signing Bonuses
For specialized roles, companies may offer relocation assistance or signing bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, especially in industries with strict regulatory requirements.
Total Compensation Potential
When considering base salary, performance incentives, profit-sharing, and benefits, the total annual compensation for a Quality Assurance Manager can range from $80,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the company and industry. Highly experienced professionals in senior roles may earn above $150,000 with additional perks and equity options.
How to Apply
If you are a quality-driven professional with expertise in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and process optimization, we invite you to apply for the Quality Assurance Manager role. This is a high-impact opportunity to ensure product excellence, improve operational efficiency, and uphold industry standards.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting:
- Your experience in quality assurance within the consumer goods industry
- Your knowledge of regulatory compliance standards (e.g., ISO, FDA, HACCP)
- Your expertise in process improvement, defect reduction, and audit success
- Your ability to lead cross-functional teams and implement quality control strategies
This role offers a chance to play a pivotal role in maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring product safety, and enhancing overall efficiency. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Quality Assurance Manager!
For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Quality Assurance & Compliance Careers Page.
Tags: Quality Assurance Manager | Regulatory Compliance | Process Improvement | Quality Control | Audit & Inspection | Product Safety | Risk Management | Consumer Goods Industry
