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Job Description

We are seeking an Innovation Quality Specialist based in Chicago, IL. This role is pivotal in the successful commercialization of products, acting as the project manager at the intersection of innovation and quality.

Responsibilities

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, to understand trial timelines and support new innovations and process improvements.

+ Obtain data from cross-functional team members to monitor data trends and suggest improvements.

+ Support plant trials as well as first production runs.

+ Ensure trial readiness by verifying food safety and quality documentation requirements are complete.

+ Implement pilots and continuous improvement plans through a project management leadership style.

+ Ensure the safety of premium items by verifying the accuracy of lab results, following up with labs and vendors, and releasing off holds.

+ Lead the development of Product Quality Standards for new products, including quality parameters and Product Quality Control plans.

+ Review and approve supply chain escalations and ingredient approvals as needed.

+ Assess manufacturing activities to identify and support continuous improvement opportunities.

+ Maintain standards of product consistency, adherence to critical control points, and sensory evaluation.

+ Collaborate with front-line factory associates and model, lead, and coach best continuous improvement and quality practices.

+ Engage, collaborate, and influence stakeholders to ensure support and adoption of quality standards and new ways of working.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in sciences (food science, biology, chemistry, or related).

+ Experience with continuous improvement projects and Lean Six Sigma.

+ 2-3 years of experience working in a food manufacturing company, preferably within snacks or candies.

+ Understanding of HACCP, FSMA, and other relevant food regulations.

+ Understanding of data reporting, tracking, and analyzing data trends.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $34.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 29, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.