Alpha Baking Co., Inc.
Alpha Baking Company, Inc., established in 1979, started with the acquisition of Mary Ann Baking Company in Chicago, known for its Chicago style poppy seed hot dog bun. The company expanded by acquiring S. Rosen’s Baking Company, Kreamo Bakers, National Baking Company, and Natural Ovens Bakery. Alpha Baking combines old-world baking expertise with modern technology in its high-production facilities. The company is dedicated to custom solutions for complex baking projects, offering extensive par-baked and frozen programs for foodservice operations.
Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role located in the Greater Chicago Area for a Director of Quality Assurance. The Director of Quality Assurance will oversee daily quality control operations, ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), conduct quality audits, and manage overall quality assurance strategies. The Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining quality management systems, troubleshooting quality-related issues, and collaborating with various teams to uphold the highest quality standards in baking production. Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop the QA managers and their teams and three Chicago Plants to ensure strong execution of quality and food safety responsibilities across all shifts. Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, and state food safety regulations and customer requirements. Oversee facility audits including third-party certifications (e.g., BRC, SQF, AIB), customer inspections, and internal GMP reviews, and all Chicago plants Manage and continuously improve programs related to HACCP, HARPC, allergen control, sanitation, pest control, traceability, and product hold/release. Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Maintenance, and Sanitation to proactively resolve quality issues and drive root cause corrective actions. Lead or support investigations related to product complaints, deviations, and non-conformances. Ensure documentation and data integrity across all QA systems, including product testing, calibration records, and process control charts. Develop and monitor quality KPIs and present metrics to plant and corporate leadership. Partner with HR to ensure QA training programs are maintained and effectively implemented. Support implementation of corporate and customer-driven quality initiatives at the site level. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field. Minimum 7-10 years of progressive QA/Food Safety experience in a food manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulatory compliance. Experience with bakery or high-volume food manufacturing environments strongly preferred. Demonstrated success leading teams and managing third-party audits. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven decision-making required. Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills. Proficiency with QA software systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Plex, etc.). Working Conditions
Based full-time on-site at the Corporate HQ in Chicago, with regular travel to three Chicago Plants. Must be available to support QA coverage across all shifts as needed. Exposure to a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures and allergens.
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This is a full-time on-site role located in the Greater Chicago Area for a Director of Quality Assurance. The Director of Quality Assurance will oversee daily quality control operations, ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), conduct quality audits, and manage overall quality assurance strategies. The Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining quality management systems, troubleshooting quality-related issues, and collaborating with various teams to uphold the highest quality standards in baking production. Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop the QA managers and their teams and three Chicago Plants to ensure strong execution of quality and food safety responsibilities across all shifts. Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, and state food safety regulations and customer requirements. Oversee facility audits including third-party certifications (e.g., BRC, SQF, AIB), customer inspections, and internal GMP reviews, and all Chicago plants Manage and continuously improve programs related to HACCP, HARPC, allergen control, sanitation, pest control, traceability, and product hold/release. Collaborate with Operations, R&D, Maintenance, and Sanitation to proactively resolve quality issues and drive root cause corrective actions. Lead or support investigations related to product complaints, deviations, and non-conformances. Ensure documentation and data integrity across all QA systems, including product testing, calibration records, and process control charts. Develop and monitor quality KPIs and present metrics to plant and corporate leadership. Partner with HR to ensure QA training programs are maintained and effectively implemented. Support implementation of corporate and customer-driven quality initiatives at the site level. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field. Minimum 7-10 years of progressive QA/Food Safety experience in a food manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulatory compliance. Experience with bakery or high-volume food manufacturing environments strongly preferred. Demonstrated success leading teams and managing third-party audits. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven decision-making required. Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills. Proficiency with QA software systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Plex, etc.). Working Conditions
Based full-time on-site at the Corporate HQ in Chicago, with regular travel to three Chicago Plants. Must be available to support QA coverage across all shifts as needed. Exposure to a manufacturing environment with variable temperatures and allergens.
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