Quality Senior Lead - External Manufacturing

• Bachelor’s Degree in a science‑based or food‑industry–related field.
• Formal training or certifications in HACCP, FSMA/PCQI, and auditing. Better Process Control School is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years in Quality, Food Safety, or Technical roles within food manufacturing, with direct experience in supplier quality, co‑manufacturing, or external manufacturing oversight.
• Auditing experience is non‑negotiable — must independently plan, conduct, and report supplier audits, including follow‑through.
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety legislation, and quality system standards; microbiology or product development exposure is a plus.
• Exceptional communication skills — confident in group settings, able to lead discussions with external partners, and synthesize technical information into clear business recommendations.
• Able to establish trust, influence without authority, and represent Finlays with professionalism and confidence.
• Advanced problem‑solving and risk‑assessment skills — able to identify issues early, escalate appropriately, and drive resolution.
• Highly organized and self‑directed; able to manage multiple workstreams, create structure in ambiguous environments, and proactively communicate progress.
• Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to balance customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and operational realities.
• Willingness and ability to travel routinely (~30%), including flexibility for production‑driven schedules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfort with digital systems, portals, and documentation platforms.
• Self‑driven and autonomous — once onboarded, must independently coordinate work, communicate updates, and manage travel and partner interactions.
• Chicago‑area based, with ability to work hybrid from the Glenview office as needed for collaboration, product work, or lab‑adjacent tasks.
• Experience building or managing quality systems for external manufacturing environments.
• Direct experience with suppliers/co‑manufacturers/warehouses (required).
• Auditing experience — non‑negotiable.
• Willingness and ability to travel (~30%).
• Strong communication and presence in group settings and cross‑functional forums.
• Comfortable leading discussions with external partners, including delivering difficult messages.
• Self‑directed, proactive, and structured in managing workstreams and driving outcomes.
• Chicago‑area based, with ability to work hybrid from the Glenview office.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations
• Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks
• Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
• Capable of safely lifting up to 25 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety

Work Environment

• Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols
• Ability to work in elevated positions, at up to 50 feet and using proper safety precautions
• Must be able to work in limited or cramped spaces and extend arms into machinery for inspection, cleaning, or maintenance tasks, while following all established safety protocols

Quality Statement:

• Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
• Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
• Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
• Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
• Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
• Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
• Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
• Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.