Quality Manager at Independence Corrugated in Chicago, IL

The Royal Group, an affiliate of Schwarz Partners, is currently seeking a Quality Manager to support our Cicero IL facility. The Quality Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of the quality compliance system across all assigned TRG locations. This role serves as a subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance and consultation to ensure alignment with internal standards and external regulatory requirements. Working collaboratively with department managers, external consultants, and certification bodies, the quality compliance manager designs and maintains policies and procedures that support continuous compliance and drives quality excellence. This position plays a key role in sustaining and fostering a culture of quality throughout the organization. The Royal Group’s mission is to provide value-added solutions to the most demanding customers. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS FOR THIS POSITION:

Provides direction and guidance to management and employees with regards to the operational aspects of the food safety program, pest control, environmental, operational methods, personnel practices, maintenance for food safety and hygiene /cleaning practices. Helps ensure and maintain food safety program statutory compliance with the prescribed legal requirements in the food industry. Coordinates and provides technical training as needed. Writes and updates quality management system procedures to maintain product quality documentation system. Coordinates the ongoing development and compliance requirements of the department’s food safety program and communicates as needed. Nurture good working relationships both within and across departments under the food safety program. Analyze quality performance data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous quality enhancement. Provide training and guidance to site leadership and staff on quality standards, quality procedures, and best practices. Manages or completes corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) focusing on the systematic investigation of the root causes of identified problems or identified risks to prevent their recurrence or to prevent occurrence that arise from audits. Report regularly to senior leadership on compliance status, audit outcomes, and improvement initiatives. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; participating in professional societies. Coordinate and lead Food Safety Teams and HACCP plan development and maintenance. Serve as the primary liaison with certification bodies, ensuring successful audits and ongoing certification. Conduct internal audits and facilitate corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformities and improve system effectiveness across the region. Responsible for leading weekly quality process audits and weekly quality meetings with MTD complaints, credits, and trends. Report regularly to senior leadership on compliance status, audit outcomes, and improvement initiatives. Lead partnership meetings with all customers as it relates to quality.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 3 years’ experience in quality related field (TQM, SPC, problem solving, and ISO 9000.) Minimum 3 years’ experience in management or progressive career growth. Computer literate with good working knowledge in the use of all MS Office software programs and other quality software programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience is desirable.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

A college degree in quality management, process engineering or related field is preferred but not required. 5+years of experience with quality management systems, and certified HACCP training. Proven experience managing multi-site quality systems and leading successful certification audits.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Must be able to demonstrate a sense of urgency and self-motivation; ability to work independently. Language Skills – Able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Mathematical Skills – Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentage area, circumference, and volume. Apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Reasoning Ability – Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

AS AN INDUSTRY LEADER, THE ROYAL GROUP OFFERS:

Year-round employment for job stability. Unlimited opportunities for growth, training, and career advancement. Exceptional pay and great, affordable benefits (including life, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match and more!). A clean facility, featuring state-of-the-art technology. A respectful, empowering, team-oriented and employee-friendly environment. The Royal Group truly values our employees as our greatest asset, and we strive to support both you and your family at work and in life.

If you would like to be part of a forward-thinking team with a family feel, culture of excellence, and customer-focused reliability, we want you to be a part of our team!

Our organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.