Job Title: Innovation Quality Specialist

Are you passionate about food quality and eager to make a global impact? We’re looking for an Innovation Quality Specialist to join a fast-paced, innovation-driven food company based in Chicago. In this role, you’ll support plant trials both locally and internationally and help launch new products that delight consumers around the world.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and support plant trials and first production runs across global sites
• Collaborate with R&D to bring new innovations to life
• Ensure food safety and quality documentation is complete and compliant
• Validate lab results, manage vendor communications, and release product holds
• Develop Product Quality Standards and Quality Control plans
• Use SAP PLM and other tools to manage documentation and quality platforms
• Identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities in manufacturing
• Partner with factory teams to model and coach best practices
• Influence cross-functional teams to adopt quality standards and new ways of working

What You Bring:

• 1–2 years in food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, and food safety regulations
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for innovation and quality

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Project management skills.
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Ability to provide efficient and concise project updates.
• Cross-functional teamwork experience.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Work Environment

The role involves traveling to local sites 2-3 times a week to support trial runs at plants as well as international travel 1-2 times a month. Flexibility for travel is non-negotiable and critical for this role. Ability to work remote when not traveling to various plants.