Quality Management Systems (QMS) Specialist

Chicago, United States

Professional seated at a conference table with laptops and a presentation screen in a modern office setting

Job ID:: R-1178678
Date posted:: 04/02/2026
Job Type:: Full time
Job Category:: Supply Chain

JOB PURPOSE
The QMS Specialist plays a critical role in driving our manufacturing site toward World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards, anchored in zero defects, zero waste, and zero losses. This position champions the deployment of Focused Improvement (FI) and Quality Improvement methodologies to reduce quality related losses and elevate cross functional performance. Acting as a key link between Production, Quality, and Logistics, the role ensures seamless end to end processes that uphold regulatory compliance, product integrity, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Quality Support & Expertise
• Provide daily quality support to production and logistics teams, ensuring timely investigation and resolution of quality issues.
• Own and maintain the site’s document control system, ensuring timely revisions of controlled documents, accurate change management, and full compliance with SOP requirements.
• Develop and implement inspection procedures, validation protocols, and statistical quality control methods for raw materials, in process checks, and finished goods.
Compliance & Quality Systems
• Ensure ongoing compliance with GMP, food safety regulations, and internal quality standards.
• Lead the Hold and Release Program, including defect investigations, root cause analysis, corrective/preventive action (CAPA), and reporting.
• Manage and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) through Management Review, communication, training, and internal/external audits.
Incident Management & Reporting
• Coordinate D Incident, E Incident, and near miss investigations using SAP and Quality One; maintain accurate issue tracking and report out on top defect categories.
• Track, trend, and analyze consumer complaint data to drive focused improvements and reduce recurrence.
Continuous Improvement & Capability Building
• Drive the development of quality competencies across the site through WCM systems, tools, and methodologies.
• Support and participate in structured improvement initiatives aligned with Unilever’s Desired Superiority Index.
• Promote a quality first culture and embed quality principles into daily operations across all departments.
Cross Functional Collaboration
• Partner effectively with stakeholders including Production, Maintenance, Facilities, R&D, and Supply Chain Planning to ensure aligned decision making and robust quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with external partners and suppliers to support material quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (or related field).
2+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting, preferably food manufacturing.
General knowledge of quality systems in manufacturing.
Proficiency in statistical analysis & process control tools.
Hands-on experience with quality laboratory operations and equipment.
Knowledge in Hold & Release processes, RCA investigations, and CAPA compliance.
Ability to empower teams to achieve collective success.
Ability to connect quality systems to operational outcomes.
Ability to champion innovation and continuous improvement as well as fosters a workplace culture centered on quality, safety, and consumer trust.

Pay: The pay range for this position is $71,400 to $107,200. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that areutilizedin making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible toparticipatein our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Anycoveragesfor health insurance and retirement benefits will bein accordance withthe terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

#WC123

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

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Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.

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