Manager, Quality Assurance

Manager, Quality Assurance @ StarfaceSince launching in 2019, Starface has turned the historically negative experience of having acne into a more joyful, relatable one with a category of its own: expressive and effective products that make people feel good. With a full suite of hydrocolloid pimple patches in bright colors and a roster of limited-edition collaborations—from fan-favorite characters like Hello Kitty and Snoopy to fashion brands like Marc Jacob's Heaven—it's easy to see why Starface users say they look forward to getting breakouts. Featuring award-winning formulas and ultra-cute packaging, Starface products are designed to make you smile every time you use them.Starface is seeking a Manager, Quality Assurance to support our global quality systems, compliance and product integrity as we continue to expand our portfolio and elevate our consumer experience. This role is heavily focused on quality assurance, including product testing, technical packaging, supplier quality management, non-conformance investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.This role reports to the Head of Operations, partnering closely with Product Development, Logistics, Packaging, Regulatory, Creative, and Customer Experience teams to ensure our products meet Starface's high standards for safety, performance, packaging quality, and consumer satisfaction.At Starface, we find fun, lead with care, aim high, stay curious, and move forward. We love people who defy convention and welcome an attitude of exploration into the bold and creative in all areas of our business. If all of this resonates with you so far, keep reading!We'll count on you to:Oversee the Starface quality management system (QMS) and ensure execution of all quality control and compliance requirementsWrite and maintain quality SOPs, policies and standards; manage document control, change management and periodic document reviewsMaintain Product Information Files (PIFs)Keep quality records current in the QMS (specs, COAs, ILs, SDS, test results, lot codes, shelf life/PAO)Train cross-functional teams on quality requirements and document trainingLead the annual Quality Management Review and quarterly Quality Steering; report quality KPIs to leadershipPrepare for and host quality audits and FDA inspections; run internal audits and the annual mock recallProduct Testing & Quality ControlLead product testing programs for all new product launches, including stability, compatibility, packaging validation, AQL inspections, and production surveillance testing.Manage external 3PL lab relationships and any external testing coordination including test submissions, tracking, testing reviews, and invoice approvalsEstablish and maintain AQL standards and support factories in meeting Starface requirements.Review and approve finished goods, raw material, and bulk COAs, test reports, batch records, and release documentation as applicable.Production Release & Launch ReadinessReview and approve pre-production, first-production and in-line samples and pre-assembly photos against specs, artwork and standards; disposition lots and manage quality holdsSet up, execute and approve line trials; track first productions for new launchesOwn quality gates in the NPD stage-gate process with PD and OperationsBook and manage third-party inspections (e.g., Factored Quality); define sampling plans and rework proceduresMaintain production color/print standards, rangeboards and retained samplesPackaging Quality & Technical ValidationSupport packaging development and engineering, advising on technical requirements, specifications, test parameters, and risk considerations (cosmetic / skincare / beauty experience preferred).Partner with PD and Packaging to validate component design, functionality, material compatibility, and manufacturability.Oversee packaging testing requirements (drop tests, leakage, transit testing, seal integrity, etc.) and ensure successful qualification before commercial production.Develop Finished Good Quality specifications for all new products and maintain specifications for all existing products including pack redesign updates, testing requirements and methods, dimensions, etc.Supplier Quality & Third-Party AuditsManage supplier quality programs, including onboarding, qualification, technical transfers to new or secondary-source suppliers, and ongoing performance evaluation of manufacturers, fillers, and material suppliers.Coordinate and/or conduct third-party audits and assessments; track findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.Establish and maintain supplier quality metrics and develop corrective action plans as needed.Manage licensor quality compliance (e.g., Disney factory audits and documentation)Non-Conformance, CAPA & Continuous ImprovementLead non-conformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA activities to drive sustainable improvements across suppliers and internal teams.Maintain and enhance systems for quality metrics, deviation tracking, risk assessments, and continuous improvement programs.Identify trends and develop proactive strategies to prevent quality issues before they arise.Consumer-Centricity & Complaints ManagementOversee complaints intake, review, categorization, trending, and reporting, partnering with CX to ensure timely and meaningful responses.Lead quality review of escalation cases and manage adverse event reporting processes.Translate consumer insights into actionable product or process improvements.Regulatory Affairs (supporting our regulatory manager as needed):Maintain up-to-date product registrations (MoCRA compliance, OTC drug listings, and medical device establishment and product listings)Support ingredient, label, and claims reviews, ensuring compliance with domestic and international regulations.Partner with external regulatory agencies, consultants, suppliers, and retailers as needed for filings and documentation (ILs, SDS, COAs, certifications, etc.).Provide updates to internal teams on relevant regulatory changes (MoCRA, Prop 65, global cosmetics regulations, etc.).This role is for you if:You hold a BS in a scientific field (Chemistry, Biology, Engineering) or equivalent experienceYou have 4+ years of experience in quality assurance roles within cosmetics, OTC, or medical device environments and understand FDA requirementsYou have strong experience and a deep understanding of technical packaging validation and testing processesYou have experience with QMS systems (document control, SOPs, change control)You have experience with product testing (stability, compatibility, AQL, surveillance)You have strong working experience in supplier quality, audits, and compliance managementYou have non-conformance investigations, CAPA, root-cause analysis experienceYou have experience working with ERPs (Netsuite ideal but not required)You have supported complaints handling, trending, and adverse event reportingIdeally, you have experience working in a manufacturing environment and with production teams (processing, packaging, assembly)You're highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at balancing accuracy with fast timelinesYou excel in cross-functional project management and transparent communicationYou're proactive, curious, and entrepreneurial—anticipating needs and preparing for challenges before they ariseYou translate complex quality and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidanceYou're comfortable operating in ambiguity and pride yourself on 'figuring it out.'Bonus points (nice to have but not required!)Experience in the beauty and wellness industryRegulatory experienceNetSuite (ERP)Greenlight Guru (QMS)Experience with intelligence platforms (e.g. building dashboards & KPI reporting)You are located in the Los Angeles, CA area for periodic site visitsSalary & BenefitsThe compensation range for this role is a $90,000-$115,000 base depending on level of experience, as well as bonus eligibility.Additional benefits include:Access to high-quality health care optionsAccess to a 4