Quality Assurance Specialist - Chicago

Position Description Title: QA Specialist II Department: Operations Immediate Supervisor: Corporate Quality Director Status: Salaried Exempt Position Purpose: The QA Specialist II is responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring product and process quality across the site. This role integrates continuous improvement methodologies with quality assurance practices to enhance performance, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with internal and customer standards. The position works closely with site leadership, engineering, and operations teams to lead initiatives that deliver measurable improvements and maintain high-quality standards. Principle Accountabilities Support and Lead (as assigned) all safety programs, fostering a culture of safety and compliance throughout the organization. Lead the implementation and sustainment of the Intertape Performance System (IPS) and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the site. Conduct and oversee in-process and receiving inspections (raw materials and components), ensuring proper disposition, documentation, and compliance with procedures. Investigate internal and customer nonconformances, drive root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective / preventative actions. Maintain and continuously improve quality assurance procedures, inspection/test records, and compliance documentation in accordance with retention policies. Manage and maintain the QC laboratory, ensuring equipment calibration, safety, efficiency, and organized workflow. Build and sustain 5S and visual management systems across quality and operational areas. Provide leadership, coaching, and support to cross-functional teams on continuous improvement and quality assurance methodologies. Support customer compliance documentation and respond to ad hoc inspection/testing requests for Protective Packaging products. Recommend and implement improvements to quality-related procedures, systems, and structures. Ensure effective communication and change management practices across all levels of the organization to successfully impact continuous improvement and quality initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Essential Skills and Experience Bachelor’s degree in technical field preferred (Engineering, Sciences, etc.), 2-4 years of quality and/or continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Teams. Data analysis / statistical proficiency, including common software applications Demonstrated time management and organization skills. Ability to multi-task, deal with tight timelines, exhibit appropriate urgency in solving problems Ability to effectively communicate ideas, results, and most impactful priorities Proficient documentation skills. Can produce coherent, informative and intuitive content (both technical and nontechnical)