Quality Specialist

Overview

About Ingredion: Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there’s a place for you here to make a real difference.

Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

TITLE:
Quality Specialist

LOCATION:
Bedford Park, IL (Argo Plant)

REPORTS TO: Quality Assurance Manager

Workplace Type: Onsite

Ingredion is hiring a highly organized and detail-oriented Quality Specialist to join our manufacturing operations. This role focuses on maintaining and improving the Quality Management System (QMS), managing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and investigations, resolving customer complaints, and conducting internal and external audits. The specialist will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, customer requirements, and company policies.

What you will do:

• Administer and maintain the facility’s Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO, GMP, HACCP, and other applicable standards.
• Lead and document Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), ensuring timely resolution of quality issues and effective root cause analysis.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints, coordinating with production, laboratory, and management teams to implement corrective measures and improve customer satisfaction.
• Plan, conduct, and report on internal audits of processes, systems, and documentation to ensure compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support external audits and inspections by regulatory agencies and customers, ensuring readiness and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives in quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of quality activities, including audit reports, CAPA records, Management of Change, and complaint investigations.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on QMS requirements, CAPA processes, and audit readiness.
• Administrator of the document control system.
• Audit, develop, and improve food safety, food defense, and food fraud systems.
• Perform and document site Verification/Validation activities, including PRP verifications.

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in quality assurance or quality systems management, preferably in food manufacturing or grain processing.
• Strong knowledge of QMS, CAPA, GMP, HACCP, FDA, and ISO standards.
• Experience in auditing (internal and external) and customer complaint resolution.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and customer interaction.
• Proven track record of driving projects to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with quality management software.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience in grain wet milling, pea or potato processing and refining industries.
• Certification in auditing (ISO Lead Auditor, FSSC Lead Auditor, Internal Auditor, etc.).
• Documented training in Preventive Controls (PCQI), Food Defense (FDQI), and HACCP.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Fle…