Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)

We are seeking a highly motivated Manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance to join our team and play an integral role in strengthening our food safety culture and protecting the integrity of the Open Farm brand.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust food safety and quality systems across Open Farm’s supply chain and co manufacturing network. The Manager will ensure that all products consistently meet our premium quality standards, regulatory requirements, and certification commitments, while supporting compliance across North America and applicable export markets. This role will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Product Development, and external manufacturing partners to drive alignment, continuous improvement, and consistent execution.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, proactive, and deeply committed to food safety and quality excellence. This role is critical to upholding the trust our customers place in Open Farm by ensuring every product reflects our commitment to transparency, safety, and responsible sourcing, helping deliver safe, high quality nutrition for pets.

• Maintain and enhance Open Farm's food safety programs, including HACCP plans, GMPs, allergen management, sanitation standards, and recall/traceability protocols
• Lead readiness for and management of third-party audits (SQF, BRCGS, or equivalent) across co-manufacturing partners
• Monitor and respond to food safety incidents, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
• Maintain current knowledge of FSMA regulations and ensure ongoing compliance across all applicable facilities and suppliers 

• Establish and enforce quality standards for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods in partnership with co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers
• Conduct supplier qualification audits, review COAs, and manage ongoing supplier performance scorecards
• Review and approve product specifications, formulations, and changes in collaboration with R&D and Procurement
• Manage incoming material inspection programs and finished goods release protocols 

• Serve as the primary FSQA contact for co-manufacturing partners, building strong relationships and driving continuous improvement
• Conduct on-site facility visits and audits; evaluate compliance with Open Farm's quality expectations and applicable regulations
• Review and approve co-manufacturer food safety plans, sanitation programs, and quality documentation 

• Support the management of consumer complaints, trending data, and escalations; identify systemic issues and drive resolution
• Maintain documentation and records required for regulatory submissions and market authorizations 

• Partner with Co-Manufacturing, Procurement, R&D, and Customer Experience teams to embed quality thinking into product development and supply chain decisions
• Develop and deliver FSQA training programs for internal teams and co-manufacturing partners
• Build and track KPIs related to quality, food safety, and supplier performance; report regularly to senior leadership
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, waste, and risk across the supply chain 

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Nutrition, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in food safety and quality assurance, preferably in pet food, human food, or a regulated consumer goods environment
• 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
• Familiarity with dry kibble, wet/canned, freeze-dried, and raw pet food manufacturing processes is a strong asset
• 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to internal stakeholders and external partners
• 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%) 

• 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 

At Open Farm, we believe in the power of collaboration, meaningful connections, and enjoying our work together—furry friends included! That’s why we’ve adopted a structured hybrid approach that allows you the benefit of a reduced commute while still building strong workplace relationships. Currently, all employees are expected to be in the office two days per week at minimum, with Tuesday and Thursday as our anchor days. In addition to this, each month our Leadership team dedicates three consecutive days onsite to continue to foster alignment and connection across the team. During this time we expect everyone to join us in person to do the same. Please note: our hybrid approach may evolve over time as we adapt to the needs of our team and business.