Quality Control Technician - Decatur, IL

Quality Control Technician - Decatur, IL
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary:
The Quality Assurance Technician is an integral member of the Quality, Food Safety & Assurance Team, reporting directly to the Quality & Food Safety (QFS) Manager. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality, food safety, and compliance with all regulatory and company standards. The Quality Assurance Technician provides support to production teams, assists in quality decision-making, investigates non-conforming products, and maintains oversight during process deviations to ensure consistent, safe, and high-quality operations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Routinely conduct Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Plan / HACCP, and SFSI (SQF) compliance inspections to ensure adherence to company and regulatory standards.
• Perform verification checks and assessments related to process function, sanitation, procedural practices, personnel performance, and product quality.
• Communicate findings and recommend or oversee corrective actions in collaboration with facility management.
• Collect and submit samples for periodic testing and perform analytical testing as required.
• Lead for-cause investigations, identifying root causes and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
• Provide guidance on sanitation methods and chemical usage.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections of equipment following maintenance or sanitation activities to verify readiness.
• Verify calibration and preventive maintenance of food safety related equipment and systems.
• Support facility management in evaluating process deviations, determining related impact, and developing appropriate responses.
• Assist in the creating and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions related to food safety.
• Develop and deliver engaging and effective training, evaluate effectiveness, and continuously improve training materials and methods.
• Provide backup coverage for the QFS Manager, QC Technicians, and Food Safety Team Leader as needed or requested.
• Serve as Audit Leader backup when the QFS Manager is unavailable and participate in audits and meetings as required.
• Provide general QFS support as needed to maintain operational excellence.
• Obtain SQF Coordinator and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certifications within one year of hire.
• Take on additional responsibilities or projects as assigned to support business objectives and personal professional growth.

All team members are cross-trained to provide departmental coverage and support as business needs arise. This approach promotes team flexibility, operational efficiency, and individual career development.

Required Skills:

• Strong commitment to food safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction in all aspects of work.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Physically able to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds as part of regular job duties.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field preferred and/or a minimum of three (3) years of prior experience in Quality Control or Quality Assurance within a food manufacturing environment.
• Prior laboratory experience and working knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and instrumentation strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Employees in this position may be exposed to various chemical substances and food allergens as part of normal job duties and the manufacturing environment.
• Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), heights, and dusty conditions within the facility.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be used as required to ensure employee safety and compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

$32,500.00 - $59,000.00

Benefits and Perks

Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include:

• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

• Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

#IncludingYou

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.

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