Quality Specialist - Day Shift Quality Specialist - Day Shift

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA • Schaumburg, IL

10d • $82,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Quality Specialist is responsible for conducting a range of quality control tests and inspections—including microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory evaluations—on products, materials, and components throughout various stages of the production process. These activities ensure strict adherence to quality and food safety standards.

This role also manages finished product release criteria, including net contents, sensory program compliance, and monitoring of critical control points (CCPs). Key responsibilities include performing internal audits, recording and analyzing statistical production data, and identifying deviations from established standards.

The Quality Specialist collaborates closely with the Quality Team to proactively identify, resolve, and prevent issues that may impact product quality or food safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree Required, Preferably in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience in Food & Beverage Manufacturing Required.
• HACCP experience- Required
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in mathematical and statistical analysis.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Proficiency in computer systems, including spreadsheets and digital platforms.

Nice To Haves

• PCQI or FSSC Lead Auditor Certification- Preferred
• Preferred- experience working with USDA
• Preferred Continuous Improvement Or Root Cause Analysis Methodology
• Experience with SAP /DMO and Nestlé business processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and uphold the company’s Quality Policy, including all applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality protocols, and food safety requirements.
• Promptly escalate any quality or food safety concerns or incidents to management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and certifications, including ISO/FSSC 22000, Nestlé Management System (NMS), and ISO 9001, while driving continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Review and update factory policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure alignment with Nestlé quality and compliance standards.
• May serve as the Document Control Coordinator for Quality, supporting compliance through effective management of the factory’s document control system.
• May be responsible for Net Contents Control system support and reporting:
• Ensuring the effective operation of the net contents control program on the factory floor.
• Preparing lot summary reports to verify compliance with the Quality Monitoring Scheme (QMS).
• Verify production documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Support factory programs related to food allergen management, GMP, and product coding maintenance.
• Audit GMPs, procedures, and documentation on the production floor:
• Identify and resolve procedural or process gaps.
• Deliver coaching and training to employees.
• Serve as a contributing member of the factory Internal Audit Team.
• Perform daily reviews of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and Nestlé safety, health, and environmental guidelines.
• Maintain and continuously improve product quality, service standards, housekeeping, and hygiene within designated operational areas.
• Support factory-level improvement initiatives, such as reducing consumer complaints and product defects.
• Lead or participate in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review consumer alerts and coordinate follow-up actions.
• Maintain awareness of consumer complaints across production lines.
• Manage the consumer complaint team and associated follow-up activities.
• Support the Foreign Bodies/Material Reduction team.
• Execute special projects assigned.
• Implement, coach, and develop processes within the SAP Quality Management Module, including data reporting.
• Advise production teams on quality and food safety-related decisions.
• Conduct Behavior-Based Quality (BBQ) observations.
• Participate in operational management routines, including pillar committees and local platforms.
• Support key Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) initiatives within the factory.
• Provide guidance, support, and training to Production Operators to help them meet Nestlé’s quality standards.
• Promote a culture where safety and quality are core values, driving behavioral improvements across the facility.
• Perform routine sample analyses using laboratory techniques and instrumentation in accordance with Nestlé Good Laboratory Practices (NGLP).
• Interpret and report data trends to relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor the laboratory Internal Control Plan (ICP) at required intervals.
• Organize laboratory records, summarize data, and prepare reports for management use.
• Ensure high standards of product quality, service, housekeeping, and hygiene in laboratory and analytical areas.
• Manage daily equipment maintenance, inventory control, and reporting.
• Administer, train, and execute test methods.
• Maintain laboratory and quality records in compliance with the factory’s Quality Monitoring Scheme (QMS), including proper storage and retrieval.

Benefits

• Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level