Job Information
Winland Foods VP, Food Safety & Quality in Oak Brook, Illinois
The Vice President, Food Safety & Quality provides enterprise-wide leadership for food safety, quality, and supplier quality. This role owns the corporate food safety and quality strategy, establishes standards and expectations across all manufacturing sites, and ensures strong, consistent execution through robust quality systems.
The VP serves as the executive authority on food safety risk, external regulatory matters, and customer expectations. They partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to embed food safety and quality into business decisions and long-term growth plans.
Employee Type:
Full time
Location:
MO Works from Home
Job Type:
Quality
Job Posting Title:
VP, Food Safety & Quality
Job Description:
Schedule: Remote Monday and Friday; In office Tuesday to Thursday
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.
Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $210k to $368k Annually with additional bonus potential
Enterprise Leadership & Strategy
Set and lead the company-wide food safety and quality strategy , aligned with Winland’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Establish clear standards, policies, and expectations across all manufacturing locations to ensure consistency and accountability.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on food safety risk, emerging issues, and strategic priorities.
Build and sustain a strong food safety and quality culture at every level of the organization.
Manufacturing & Quality Systems
Provide executive oversight for food safety and quality across all manufacturing locations , ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
Own the design, deployment, and effectiveness of enterprise quality management systems , including audits, corrective actions, and performance metrics.
Ensure readiness for regulatory inspections, customer audits, and third-party certification across the network.
Lead continuous improvement efforts to reduce risk, improve capability, and strengthen performance.
Supplier Quality & External Partnerships
Set the corporate direction for supplier quality management , ensuring domestic and international suppliers meet Winland’s food safety and quality standards.
Oversee supplier approval, monitoring, auditing, and risk assessment programs.
Act as the executive point of contact for key external partners, including regulators, customers, laboratories, sanitation and pest control providers.
Monitor emerging food safety, regulatory, and supply chain risks and lead proactive mitigation strategies.
Risk Management & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with applicable food safety laws, regulations, and customer requirements across all regions.
Lead crisis preparedness, incident response, and traceability programs.
Provide expert guidance on complex or high-risk food safety and quality issues.
People Leadership & Capability Building
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Food Safety & Quality leadership team .
Coach and mentor leaders to strengthen technical expertise, decision-making, and influence.
Ensure strong training and capability development across plants, including GFSI, GMP, HACCP, PCQI, and regulatory requirements.
Model inclusive leadership behaviors that reflect Winland’s Values.
Business Partnership & Governance
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Finance, and Commercial teams to align food safety and quality priorities with business objectives.
Establish clear governance, reporting, and performance measures.
Own functional budgeting and resource planning to support current and future business needs.
Qualifications & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Safety, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred .
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in food safety and quality within food manufacturing.
Demonstrated success leading enterprise or multi-site food safety and quality organizations .
Deep knowledge of HACCP, GFSI, preventive controls, supplier quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
Experience serving as the senior food safety authority with regulators, customers, and third-party auditors.
Proven ability to lead through influence, build strong systems, and drive change across complex organizations.
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance compliance, risk, and growth.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% .
EEO Statement:
Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
About Us
At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.
Why Work With Us?
We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table . That means:
Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.
Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.
People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.
Our Culture
We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.
Explore Opportunities
At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.
To All Recruitment Agencies
Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.