Regulatory Compliance Specialist Jobs in Illinois

Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!

We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

FSQA Regulatory Compliance Manager will lead, manage, and secure regulatory compliance for WSP's USDA Inspected facilities across our RTE meat and poultry product lines. This critical leadership role will oversee a team of direct-report FSQA Regulatory Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), driving the strategy and execution of all food safety, quality assurance, and compliance initiatives. This role will bridge the gap between plant operations and regulatory bodies, maintaining a robust culture of food safety, with a focus on identifying and mitigating risks across all processes and product lines.

Primary Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight: Manage interactions and compliance with high level USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) personnel, including District Office personnel, as well as members of other USDA departments. Support the FSQA teams in managing their interactions and compliance with their on-site USDA FSIS inspectors and personnel, as well as their interactions within the Public Health and Information System (PHIS).
• HACCP and SSOP Management: Oversee, lead the validation of, and manage updates to HACCP plans, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and prerequisite programs.
• Listeria and Pathogen Control: Lead the maintenance of, and maintain the efficacy of, rigorous environmental monitoring programs, targeting Listeria monocytogenes and other pathogens in the RTE post-lethality environments of WSP's facilities.
• Regulatory Monitoring: Track changes to USDA, FDA, and international regulations affecting WSP's product lines, incoming materials and ingredients, and processes.
• Audit Readiness: Lead the management of internal and external audit processes, including SQF (GFSI) standards, and 3rd Party Audits or Inspections. Ensure team preparedness to serve as subject matter experts, in their specific areas of responsibility, during third-party audits or inspections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or related technical field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 7-10 years of FSQA or Regulatory Compliance experience in a USDA meat/poultry RTE processing industry, or closely related field.
• Regulation Expertise: Extensive knowledge of USDA-FSIS regulations including 9 CFR and 21 CFR. Knowledge of FDA Appendix 1.
• Technology Skills: Proficient at using computers, including programs such as Excel and Adobe Acrobat, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, etc.
• Certifications: HACCP certification required; SQF Practitioner or PCQI certification preferred.

• Meat Stick Experience: Direct experience reviewing supplier and/or ingredient reviews and approvals. Experience with meat sticks, poultry sticks, jerky, or other meat snacks.
• Communication / Team Skills: Experience communicating daily with team members, suppliers, customers via telephone, email, and conference calls. Experience managing and holding to account a Team, to ensure that responsibilities are executed at a high level.
• Related USDA Experience / Background:

• Experience with managing programs compliant with GFSI code; specifically, SQF.
• Experience interacting with USDA Policy via AskFSIS.
• Knowledge of applicable USDA-FSIS Guidance resources.
• Experience interacting with FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Staff (LPDS) and navigating their LSAS Portal.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. for extended periods.
• Work is performed in a cold, wet, or humid environment depending on the room.
• Frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals and equipment noise.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required at all times in designated areas.

Benefits Offered:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compliance and Safety

This position must comply with all company policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), OSHA regulations, and Illinois Department of Labor standards. Employees are required to follow all safety protocols and report any unsafe conditions to a supervisor immediately.

Equal Employment Opportunity Western Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.

If you’re looking for a workplace where you’re valued, supported, and where you’ll be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of meat snacks, we’d love to have you join us!