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Food Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

Quality Food Safety Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense * Ensure active participation in the Product ...

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

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

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

Showing results 21-40

Food Safety Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$53K

$79.4K

How much do food safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for food safety inspector in Chicago, IL is $53,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $62,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges food safety inspectors face during inspections, and how are they addressed?

Food Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as non-compliance with regulations, resistance from facility staff, and time constraints when covering multiple locations. To address these issues, inspectors rely on strong communication skills to educate and collaborate with facility personnel, thorough documentation practices, and staying up-to-date with evolving food safety standards. Building rapport with businesses and maintaining professionalism helps foster cooperation and ensures that public health remains the top priority.

How do you become a food safety inspector?

To become a food safety inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education in food science, microbiology, or a related field. Relevant experience in food production or safety, along with certifications such as ServSafe or other food safety certifications, can improve job prospects. Inspectors often need to pass a state or federal exam and may be required to complete on-the-job training or specialized courses.

What is a food safety inspector?

Food Safety Inspectors are professionals responsible for ensuring that food products are safe, properly labeled, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. They inspect food processing facilities, restaurants, and other food establishments to check for cleanliness, proper food handling, and storage practices. These inspectors also investigate complaints, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and educate food workers about safety standards. Their work helps protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

What is the difference between Food Safety Inspector vs Food Quality Auditor?

AspectFood Safety InspectorFood Quality Auditor
CertificationsFood Safety Certifications (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP)Quality Management Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, HACCP)
Work EnvironmentInspecting food production facilities, restaurants, and processing plantsAuditing food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and compliance
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, food production companiesFood manufacturing, certification bodies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in food safety enforcementAssessing food quality standards and compliance

The Food Safety Inspector primarily focuses on ensuring food safety compliance through inspections, while the Food Quality Auditor emphasizes evaluating and maintaining food quality standards. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the food industry, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food safety inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Safety Inspector, you need a background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications and regulatory knowledge. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and reporting systems like HACCP is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and integrity are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure thorough inspections, regulatory compliance, and the protection of public health.
What are popular job titles related to Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Safety Inspector jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Safety Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Food Safety Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,048 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Quality Food Safety Manager

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Cicero, IL • On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Bimbo Bakeries USA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 48 rated bakeries


Job description

Have you ever enjoyed Arnold®, Brownberry® or Oroweat® bread? A Thomas'® English muffin or bagel? Or perhaps snacked on a Sara Lee®, Entenmann's® or Marinela® cake or donut? If the answer is yes, then you know Bimbo Bakeries USA!
More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure our consumers have the freshest products at every meal. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we provide a safe and inclusive work environment that appreciates diversity, promotes development and allows our associates to be their authentic selves.
#LI-JV1x
Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!
Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:
Salary Range: $98,000 - $127,000
Annual Bonus Eligibility
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Paid Time Off
401k & Company Match
Position Summary:
Sanitation Team Leaders play an important role in helping BBU bake with world-class practices, win as one team, grow our people, and serve our customers. They embrace the consumer by producing high-quality products and ensure operational capabilities by supporting their team in executing the Operations Excellence Playbook. Our Sanitation Team Leaders empower and involve their teams to achieve key performance metrics and win the shift. They create a compelling culture by engaging and developing their team through effective coaching strategies and expect ownership and accountability to achieve Thruput and Shipping on-time, in-full.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Win the shift by ensuring that that all aspects of the shift, such as product, equipment, and processes, adhere to world-class standards for quality, food safety efficiency, and safety
  • Foster a culture of Associate engagement by respecting, including, and empowering all Associates
  • Uphold and promote our E5 Leadership Behaviors: Embrace the Consumer, Ensure Operational Capabilities, Empower and Involve, Engage and Develop, and Expect Ownership and Accountability
  • Identify issues, assign actions to the appropriate team member, and follow up to ensure it was completed. Escalate issues to department leaders, as needed
  • Coach Associates towards an independent, problem-solving mentality to consistently achieve world-class standards
  • Operate with a One Team mentality by collaborating across departments to solve issues and ensure production is to schedule
  • Prepare priorities for you and your team for the upcoming shift
  • Communicate and coordinate important issues with the right team members to solve issues, including cross functional partners, incoming shift team leaders, and department leadership
  • Deliver on Key Performance Indicators for People, Quality, Safety, Service, and Cost
  • Engage and develop core competencies in Associates through onboarding, training, coaching and consistent performance feedback
  • Achieve all safety goals. Deliver on safety awareness programs in order to eliminate unsafe acts and conditions that contribute to workplace injuries. Comply with workplace standards, company policies and government regulations.
  • Ensure product quality, advising others to ensure product runs within specification in compliance with quality standards
  • Lead the team of associates to serve sales by achieving production schedule attainment, KPIs for thruput and shipping on time, in full
  • Ensure cost efficiency by reducing waste, decreasing down time, and overseeing appropriate staff scheduling
  • Utilize tablets and essential applications within the tablets, such as Kleanz ,SOMAX, Rever, Shift Guides, Intelex, and more, to keep processes running effectively
  • Perform data analysis trending reports and action plans for the plant's sanitation, quality and Food Safety KPI's
  • Maintain and improve with the direct support of the Quality Food Safety Manager, the BBU quality and food safety policies/system and ensures that the programs and policies are followed throughout the facility and reviewed
  • Support Quality and Food Safety Manager in evaluating compliance to conducting plant wide inspections related to quality, food safety and food defense
  • Ensure active participation in the Product Quality and Food Safety Programs, and Sanitary Conditions in the bakery and supports without hesitation General Plant Safety, GFSI (SQF), Food Safety, Food Defense Initiatives and Good Manufacturing Practices

Key Behavioral Competencies:
  • Operational Execution: This role requires the ability to think strategically about business needs, set data-based priorities, and build plans with their associates, fellow Team Leaders and their Department Leader to achieve improved business KPIs. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, planning, communication, and leadership skills. They will have the ability to effectively coordinate and manage operational activities, ensuring efficient workflows, clear communication channels, and successful execution of tasks and projects.
  • Set the Standard: This role has overall responsibility for universal achievement of Operations Excellence standards and practices for their team. The ideal candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, to accommodate operational needs. They will possess the ability to read English and follow written procedures accurately, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and protocols. Additionally, they will have the ability to work off ground level with proper safety equipment, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety practices. They will also be able to work in a non-air-conditioned environment, adapting to various working conditions and environments as required.
  • Driving our Culture: Our GB values and culture are what make our company different. It is critical that the Team Leader builds a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, providing consistent leadership in working with bakery leadership and associates while emphasizing teamwork and collaboration that leads to high-quality products, high associate engagement, and successful financial results. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented person, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where individuals work together towards common goals. They will value and promote teamwork, encouraging open communication and active participation from all team members.
  • Be a Change Leader: Drive the realization of Operations Excellence efforts across their team. Utilize strong decision-making skills and flexibility in order to drive sustainable operational initiatives and process improvement activities, and provide the necessary leadership to promote change throughout their team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances. They will embrace new challenges, seek opportunities for growth, and inspire others to embrace change and continuous learning.
  • Developing our Talent: While driving accountability for results, be supportive and effective at developing individuals to assume greater levels of responsibility and personal contribution. The ideal candidate will exhibit leadership qualities that inspire and motivate team members. They will be committed to talent development, providing guidance and support to individuals to help them enhance their skills, assume greater responsibilities, and contribute to the overall success of the team and organization.

Education and Work History:
  • 5-7 years of Bakery or Food Manufacturing operations management experience
  • Bachelor's degree, in Food Science or related major preferred
  • Bakery operations /Quality / Food Safety / or Sanitation supervisory experience (2 years or more)
  • A combination of education, training and experience that results in demonstrated competency to perform the work may be substituted
  • HACCP, PCQI, Food Defense Coordinator and GFSI Certified. Sanitation Essentials or AIB Sanitation / Food Safety residence course or similar training/certification
  • Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Organized and detail oriented
  • Comfortable working in a participative team environment
  • Ability to work under pressure and multitasking

The physical and mental demands described in each job posting are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of each job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of each job.
Bimbo Bakeries USA is an equal opportunity employer with a policy that provides equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, any other classification protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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About Bimbo Bakeries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From the breakfast table to lunch boxes to family barbecues, Bimbo Bakeries USA's fresh, high-quality products have delighted Americans for generations. As the largest commercial baking company in the U.S., we are proud to deliver our bread, bagels, buns, English muffins and sweet baked goods to every town, city and community in the United States. Bimbo Bakeries USA is proud part of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company with operations in 34 countries.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Horsham, PA, US

Year founded

1945