Associate Director Quality Control Jobs in Elgin, IL

Job Details:

Job Location: GLENVIEW, IL 60025

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $170,000.00 - $190,000.00

Job Category: QA - Quality Control

About Us: Leahy-IFP, now integrated into Finlays Solutions, brings together specialized beverage manufacturing expertise with the scale of a global industry leader. Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready‑to‑drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs. Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

The Director of Quality Control, reporting to the VP of Quality and part of the Quality Leadership Team, provides strategic and operational leadership for all Quality Control, Sanitation, and Laboratory functions across five U.S. Finlays Solutions manufacturing sites. The role ensures raw materials, in‑process controls, finished goods, and hygiene/sanitation meet internal specs, customer expectations, and regulatory/third‑party standards. This leader drives standardization, data integrity, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency across tea, coffee, botanical, and fruit‑based beverage portfolios, supported by strong people leadership and budget management.

Quality & Food Safety Leadership:

• Implement, execute, and improve quality systems aligned with GFSI, including food safety, allergens, food defense, food fraud, and sanitation programs.
• Maintain external certifications (e.g., Organic, Fairtrade, RA, Kosher, Halal) in collaboration with the Director of Quality Assurance.
• Govern HACCP and site Food Safety Teams to ensure accurate risk assessments and effective controls.
• Oversee documentation, non conformance management, complaint handling, audits, incident management, validation/verification, and cost‑of‑non conformance programs.
• Ensure customer technical requirements are met, collaborating with Commercial on key customer relationships.
• Support supplier management, co‑packers/co‑manufacturers, regulatory compliance, legal registers, and Agrochemical/Contaminant policy.

Quality Control & Laboratory Management:

• Oversee laboratory operations to ensure reliable, repeatable analytical and sensory results guiding raw material, process, and product decisions.
• Implement and validate analytical methods, calibrations, ring testing, and equipment maintenance.
• Use monitoring/measurement systems and visual management to support process control.
• Manage QC budgets, laboratory Capex, data storage/traceability, and lab throughput/utilization.
• Introduce new analytical technologies and support Commercial, R&D, and Innovation.
• Oversee at source quality activities within operations.

Quality Improvement:

• Lead quality improvement projects with Operations using scientific, data‑driven problem solving.
• Support commissioning of new products/processes, ensuring quality, food safety, and compliance.
• Drive transition to online/inline monitoring and support training and deployment of quality programs.

People Leadership & Development:

• Build and lead a high‑performing team with clear strategy, capability frameworks, coaching, and cross‑site knowledge sharing.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, and Quality/Food Safety culture aligned to Finlays values.
• Engage external industry experts to elevate team exposure and best practices.
• Set objectives and deliverables; conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans.
• Mentor and guide direct reports, provide stretch assignments, and ensure accountability.
• Resolve conflicts effectively and strengthen collaboration with site Leadership teams.
• Develop training programs supporting compliance and strong Quality/Food Safety culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field; 8+ years in Quality Management including 4+ years multisite leadership.
• Required certifications: SQF, HACCP Level 3, PCQI, Lead Auditor; Food Defense/Fraud preferred.
• Better Process Control School and/or strong microbiology and thermal processing knowledge.
• Beverage processing experience (extraction, blending, aseptic, packaging) preferred.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem solving skills with ability to make fact‑based decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage teams, and communicate effectively with customers and internal partners.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.
• Experience training/developing teams; willingness to work flexible hours as needed, with 30% travel to maintain site presence.

• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), 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.

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.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.