Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager chez Chicago Meat Authority

Chicago Meat Authority (CMA) is proud to have celebrated 35 years in the food industry. Located in Chicago’s historic Stockyards, CMA is a forward thinking processor of value added beef, pork, and poultry items with a strong focus on selling the Healthcare, Hotel, and Institutional Markets (HRI), meat purveyors, and Multi-unit regional and national chains up to and including big box stores. In addition, CMA specializes in custom cuts for further processors including but not limited to grinding operations, deli manufacturers, and the prepared entrée market.

CMA is searching for a FSQA Manager who will serve as the key leader accountable for the performance, direction, and integrity of all food safety and quality programs. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SOPs, and USDA regulations with strong leadership skills, capable of managing audits, corrective actions, and cross-functional initiatives while fostering a culture of food safety and continuous improvement. This role is both strategic and operational — ensuring day-to-day compliance and product quality while shaping long-term FSQA processes and standards across the organization.

The FSQA Manager provides leadership to the FSQA department, supports plant teams, and fosters a culture of food safety. This is a multi-site role requiring an active presence in both facilities to ensure seamless operations and strong cross-facility collaboration. 

Why CMA?

At CMA, food safety isn’t just a requirement — it’s a priority, and we rely on FSQA leaders to guide that mission. You’ll take ownership of food safety and quality programs across multiple manufacturing sites, gaining hands-on experience with audits, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional initiatives. CMA offers the opportunity to shape processes, drive continuous improvement, and make a tangible impact on product quality and safety. Top performers are recognized and can grow into broader leadership roles within operations and quality, building a long-term career in the food manufacturing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to drive ownership of food safety and quality on the production floor.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are integrated into the entire production process.
• Develop, recommend, and monitor corrective actions when deficiencies in food safety or quality are identified.
• Supervise and mentor the FSQA supervisor and hourly team members, ensuring proper training, coaching, and performance management.
• Provide ongoing support for hourly team members across both facilities, maintaining an active presence in one plant while the FSQA supervisor manages the other.
• Implement food safety and quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and finished product standards.
• Direct independent FSQA audit program.
• Plan, conduct, and monitor inspections and testing of materials and products to ensure safety and quality.
• Stay current with changes in food safety laws, regulations, and industry best practices, and communicate updates to leaders.
• Responsible for USDA regulations, including labeling.
• Maintain an up-to-date library of all GMPs and SOPs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and organizational guidelines.
• Generate reports describing Quality Assurance KPIs, activities, trends, and expenditures as well as communicate findings and action plans to necessary/appropriate parties
• Ensure adherence to quality programs, including HACCP and GMPs.
• Lead HACCP assessments and reassessments, maintaining HACCP plans and records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the food safety culture and reduce risk across both facilities.
• Develop and execute training programs to support the company’s food safety and quality objectives.
• Ensure the prompt and accurate implementation of new regulations at both facilities and with suppliers.
• Represent the FSQA department on cross-functional teams and collaborate on company-wide initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Food Science, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance roles, with previous experience in a food manufacturing plant—meat experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP, GMPs, FDA, USDA, and food labeling requirements.
• Minimum 2 years of progressive leadership responsibility with a proven track record of building and developing QA/QC processes and systems preferred.

Skills:

• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create and maintain positive relationships with vendors, management, and team members.
• Exceptional time management and attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret food safety reports, business correspondence, and policies.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable working in environments with varying temperatures.
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and solvents according to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) guidelines.
• Plant audits and inspections may require lifting of products up to 50 pounds.

Compensation:

• This is an exempt position, with a salary range of $85,000 – $135,000 annually, based on experience.

Benefits:

• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, LifeLock)
• 401(k) Employer Match - 50% of your first 6%
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Employee Perks:

• Meat Purchase Program
• On-site fitness center
• Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan

We follow and are guided by our mission and we demonstrate our values every day!

"To be the preferred supplier of our customers, the preferred customer of our strategic suppliers, and a model employer in our industry."

Chicago Meat Authority, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.