Director of Food Safety – Quality Assurance

Job Description: • Build and Own Our Food Safety System • Design and document policies and SOPs to ensure compliance • Develop and implement HACCP, GMP, Allergen Control, Sanitation, and Recall programs • Align programs with FDA, USDA, and FSMA requirements • Partner closely with external QA and Operations teams • Lead third-party and supplier audits • Build and manage a risk-based supplier approval program • Establish and maintain product specifications, finished product testing, and shelf-life standards • Collaborate with R&D and Operations on scale-up and commercialization • Investigate non-conformances, manage CAPAs, and track trends • Own quality complaints from customers • Develop KPIs and reporting dashboards • Work across departments to embed food safety and quality principles • Provide training and support to internal teams and manufacturing partners • Represent the company during third-party audits and regulatory interactions Requirements: • 10+ years of experience • 4+ years in pet-specific food manufacturing with direct oversight of co-manufacturers, contract packers, or ingredient suppliers • Experience with protein lean points (FOSS) • Proven ability to manage quality and food safety programs across multiple facilities and partners • Expertise in building and managing HACCP and GFSI-aligned systems (SQF, BRC, etc.) • Strong working knowledge of FDA, USDA, AAFCO, NASC, and FSMA regulations • Experience conducting supplier audits and managing corrective actions • HACCP certification required; PCQI certification strongly preferred • Entrepreneurial and resourceful mindset • Comfortable taking ownership of this focus area and running with it with limited oversight • Excellent communication and project management skills. Benefits: • Offers Equity Apply tot his job