Commissary Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

• Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 / year + bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• This job is located at the MDW Airport

We are food travel experts, and we are passionate about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a taste of place! At SSP America, the potential to grow and expand is all around you!

If you’re ready to take on an impactful, fast-paced role in Food Safety and Quality Assurance while working with a global travel dining brand that values its employees, apply today!

As a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, you will lead food safety initiatives, support commissary and restaurant teams, and strengthen regulatory compliance across airport operations. You will help drive a high-performance food safety culture, resolve audit findings, and partner with operations to ensure safe, consistent, high-quality food every day. This role requires limited travel within the U.S. and Canada (less than 20 percent).

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all food safety-related inquiries and provide expert guidance on audit findings, inspection metrics, corrective actions, and trend analysis.

• Work collaboratively with senior operations management to foster a strong food safety culture and support compliance with FSMA, FDA Food Code, and company standards.

• Review and analyze specialized audits, food safety assessments, sanitation inspections, and quality control reports to proactively identify risks and recommend improvements.

• Partner with senior operations leaders to resolve audit and complaint deficiencies, conduct root-cause and trend analyses, and drive corrective actions.

• Develop and deliver HACCP plans for production kitchens, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and operational processes.

• Perform environmental monitoring and analyze microbial trends to identify hazards and implement preventive measures.

• Conduct annual PCQI reviews to confirm compliance, identify deviations, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Deliver targeted food safety and allergen training that addresses local needs, emerging risks, and company priorities.

• Build strong communication channels and relationships with internal teams, regulatory authorities, suppliers, and other key stakeholders to support consistent food safety performance.

• Assist with annual mock recalls and review production kitchen documentation to ensure traceability, compliance, and readiness for regulatory audits.

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field required.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in a food safety and quality assurance role within the food service industry, with a focus on restaurant operations. Experience in the airport or hospitality industry is preferred.
• Certifications: Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and HACCP Certification, with experience writing HACCP plans.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards, including HACCP and PCQI principles.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing food safety programs in complex environments.
• Experience with regulatory audits and inspections, including FSMA and FDA Food Code compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop food safety teams.

Dynamic Environment: Work in the fast-paced and exciting setting of a major airport.
Competitive Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 and Health, Dental, Vision and Life Plans, Paid Time Off, 401K with company match, Employee Assistance Program.

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.