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Associate Quality Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Reporting to the Quality Manager, this person will be responsible for performing product ... The ideal candidate will have a minimum of an associate degree in Applied Science with 3-5 years of ...

Create a positive working environment for all associates; one that supports continuous improvement ... Customer interaction - Desirable * Salaried and hourly management skills - Essential

Create a positive working environment for all associates; one that supports continuous improvement ... Customer interaction - Desirable * Salaried and hourly management skills - Essential

... associates at all levels on quality programs. • Interact with other supervisors/managers within Ferrara to share best practices. • Perform and maintain the environmental monitoring program and ...

Quality Engineer

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Manager. Develop a business relationship with customers to best understand their needs and our ... Associates 2 year degree in Quality Engineering preferred. * 3+ years experience in quality and/or ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Quality Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$26

$52

How much do associate quality manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate quality manager in Chicago, IL is $26.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate quality manager do?

An Associate Quality Manager assists in overseeing quality assurance processes within an organization to ensure products or services meet established standards. They help develop and implement quality control procedures, monitor compliance, and collaborate with various departments to address quality issues. Additionally, they may analyze data, support audits, and provide training to staff on quality best practices. Their work helps maintain customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate quality manager, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Associate Quality Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent compliance with evolving quality standards, managing cross-departmental communication, and balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines. To address these, it's important to stay up-to-date with industry regulations, foster open communication channels with production and engineering teams, and utilize project management tools to track progress. Proactive problem-solving and continuous process improvement are also key strategies to overcome these challenges and drive quality initiatives forward.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate quality manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Quality Manager, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance processes, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in engineering, science, or a related field. Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, statistical analysis tools, and process improvement methodologies like Six Sigma is typically required, and certifications such as CQE or Lean Six Sigma are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and leadership skills help you drive quality initiatives and collaborate across teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring product compliance, minimizing defects, and supporting continuous improvement within an organization.

What is the difference between Associate Quality Manager vs Quality Control Specialist?

AspectAssociate Quality ManagerQuality Control Specialist
CertificationsISO 9001, Six Sigma, ASQ certificationsISO 9001, Six Sigma, ASQ certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, healthcare, or tech industries overseeing quality processesManufacturing, production lines, labs focusing on product inspection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies with quality management systems, often in managerial support rolesUsed in production and manufacturing settings for product inspection and testing

The Associate Quality Manager and Quality Control Specialist roles share similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope. The Associate Quality Manager typically oversees broader quality processes and supports quality management systems, while the Quality Control Specialist focuses on inspecting and testing products to ensure quality standards are met.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Quality Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Quality Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Quality Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Quality Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,499 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Quality & Food Safety Manager External Manufacturing

Mars

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:

The Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) Manager External Manufacturing role leads external manufacturing quality initiatives to ensure the ongoing production of high quality and safe food products within the external manufacturing network. This role ensures the implementation of all applicable Mars Quality and Food Safety Standards. In addition, it supports qualification, product start up, performance management, and process improvement initiatives at Mars external manufacturing locations. The incumbent will use food science, engineering knowledge, quality management, project management and quality skills to identify opportunities to improve consumer satisfaction, optimize processes and establish measures of quality conformance.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

  • BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, related technical field or equivalent

  • 3+ years of experience in a technical area such as Quality & Food Safety, R&D product development, laboratory management quality systems, or food process engineering

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as a member of a team

  • Experienced auditor with accreditation in GFSI Quality systems such as SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO9000

  • Ability to travel 40% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced MS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering or related technical field

  • 7+ years of Quality experience in a Food manufacturing facility

  • ASQ certification

  • Advanced understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), HACCP, Sensory, Microbiology, Regulatory and Food Law guidelines

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Leads the deployment and compliance of the Mars Global EMQM (External Manufacturing Quality Management) standard and other applicable standards within the External Manufacturing network

  • Supports manufacturing site selection by assessing quality capability and food safety systems performance. Coordinates with the Supply Chain External Manufacturing Team to resolve site selection and audit concerns.

  • Validates new lines and/or capabilities at assigned sites. Initiates, develops, and implements the External Manufacturing Product Risk Assessments and Technical Specifications for assigned external manufacturers. Ensures robust change management procedure is in place and verified.

  • Provides technical support in statistical analysis, problem solving, product disposition, and risk assessment related to externally manufactured products.

  • Leads audits, Q&FS training, and follows up on CAPA/CI implementations at the external manufacturing sites

  • Coordinates and leads incident management and investigation for assigned external manufacturers. This responsibility includes initiation of PRIMPs, on-going interpretation and reporting of information from our consumers and customers, executing the business decision regarding product disposition on non-confirming product and incidents which impact food safety.

  • Manage the product verification program at assigned sites that will audit the Quality and Food Safety protocols in the production schedule.

  • Communication disposition on product to relevant parties, support queries related to packaging, donor product, and finished product

  • Partners with Supply and Procurement to lead periodic reviews with external manufacturers on Quality & Food Safety areas such as consumer and customer complaints, incidents, CAPAs, CI, and standards

  • Active participation in EM Community of Practice

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

  • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AM1

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 101,120.00 - USD 139,040.00Employment Type: Full time

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