JiMMYBARS / NETTIES KITCHEN
LOCATION: On-Site, Elk Grove Village, IL
ABOUT US
JiMMYBARS! / Nettie’s Kitchen are fast-growing innovators in the functional food and protein bar space, committed to creating high-quality products with exceptional taste, clean ingredients, and operational excellence.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a hands-on, highly organized Quality Assurance Manager to lead food safety, compliance, and quality systems across our production operations. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants to help shape and elevate quality systems from the ground up.
The Quality Assurance Manager must have experience in the protein bar space and will oversee all aspects of food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and quality systems within our manufacturing facility. This individual will work cross-functionally with production, operations, R&D, purchasing, sanitation, and leadership to ensure all products consistently meet company, customer, SQF, FDA, and GMP standards.
The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on — someone comfortable on the production floor while also building SOPs, leading audits, managing documentation, and driving continuous improvement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
FOOD SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Lead and maintain all food safety and quality programs including:
SQF / HACCP
GMP compliance
FDA compliance
Sanitation programs
Allergen controls
Environmental monitoring
Traceability and recall readiness
Ensure facility readiness for customer, regulatory, and third-party audits
Maintain and improve SOPs, quality documentation, and training systems
Manage CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions)
PRODUCTION QUALITY OVERSIGHT
Monitor production processes to ensure consistent product quality and specification adherence
Develop and implement quality checkpoints throughout manufacturing
Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective actions
Partner with Operations to improve efficiency while maintaining product integrity
Review batch records, COAs, and production documentation
SUPPLIER & INGREDIENT QUALITY
Approve and monitor ingredient and packaging suppliers
Oversee incoming ingredient inspections and specifications
Work closely with purchasing and vendors to ensure quality standards are maintained
TEAM LEADERSHIP & TRAINING
Build and manage QA staff and quality culture throughout the facility
Train employees on GMPs, food safety, sanitation, allergen controls, and quality procedures
Serve as the primary quality resource for cross-functional teams
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Drive initiatives that improve product consistency, shelf life, operational efficiency, and food safety systems
Analyze quality data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement
Assist with commercialization and scale-up of new products
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred
5+ years of QA leadership experience in food manufacturing
Experience in bars, snacks, bakery, nutraceutical, or functional foods strongly preferred
Experience leading audits and regulatory inspections
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
Comfortable working in both office and production environments
Experience with protein bars, supplements, or functional ingredients is a major plus
Strong knowledge of:
SQF
HACCP
GMPs
FDA regulations
Food safety systems
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
A builder and problem-solver
Someone who takes ownership and leads with urgency
Strong attention to detail without losing sight of operational realities
Positive attitude and collaborative mindset
Passion for creating exceptional products and systems
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary starting at $75,000, based on experience
Growth opportunity within a rapidly expanding company
Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
Opportunity to help build a premier functional food manufacturing operation
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off