Manager, FSQA: Co-Manufacturing Operations
$90,000–$110,000 year
HybridToronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Summary
Conduct on-site facility visits and audits for co-manufacturing partners to evaluate compliance with quality expectations and regulations. Review and approve co-manufacturer food safety plans, sanitation programs, and quality documentation while maintaining HACCP plans, allergen management, and recall protocols. Lead third-party audit readiness for SQF or BRCGS certifications and manage root cause analysis for food safety incidents. Establish quality standards for raw materials and finished goods, conduct supplier qualification audits, and manage incoming material inspection programs. Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and R&D to embed quality thinking into product development and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain documentation for regulatory submissions and manage consumer complaint escalations. Travel to co-manufacturer facilities as needed for an estimated 10–20% of the time.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Nutrition, or a related field
- 5+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance
- Direct experience managing co-manufacturing or contract manufacturing relationships
- Hands-on experience with HACCP plan development, internal auditing, and third-party certification programs (SQF, BRCGS, or equivalent)
- Strong working knowledge of FSMA (Preventive Controls for Animal Food), AAFCO guidelines, CFIA regulations, and FDA requirements as they apply to pet food
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
- Comfortable with ambiguity and able to build structure in a scaling, entrepreneurial environment
- Willingness to travel to co-manufacturer and supplier facilities as needed (estimated 10–20%)
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with dry kibble, wet/canned, freeze-dried, and raw pet food manufacturing processes
- Experience with ERP systems and quality management software
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification
- SQF Practitioner or Lead Auditor certification
- Experience in a brand-owned, co-manufactured supply chain model
- Passion for pet health, sustainability, and responsible sourcing — aligned with Open Farm's mission
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