Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance ManagerReporting to the Head of Operations, the Quality Assurance Manager will serve as the company's quality leader, responsible for advancing the Company's global quality systems, food safety programs, supplier compliance, and regulatory standards across an international network of contract manufacturers and suppliers.This individual will balance strategic quality leadership with hands-on execution in a lean environment. While overseeing the company's day-to-day quality management—including audits, certifications, testing, complaint investigations, traceability, and regulatory compliance—they will also identify opportunities to strengthen quality systems, improve supplier performance, and build scalable processes that support the company's next phase of growth.Because the Company operates through an outsourced manufacturing model, this role requires exceptional influencing skills rather than direct operational control. The Quality Assurance Manager will partner closely with co-manufacturers throughout Asia and North America, driving accountability, coaching suppliers toward best practices, and ensuring consistent adherence to the Company's quality expectations despite geographic, cultural, and language barriers.This role requires someone who is equally comfortable reviewing laboratory data, conducting supplier audits, managing certification requirements, presenting findings to executive leadership, and confidently challenging suppliers when corrective action is needed. Success will come from bringing a continuous improvement mindset while building stronger quality systems that protect both the Company's brand and its mission.AccountabilitiesQuality Systems LeadershipOwn and continuously improve Quality Management System across all domestic and international manufacturing and distribution partners.Evaluate existing quality programs and conduct a comprehensive assessment of current systems, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.Develop scalable quality standards that support the company's growth strategy while maintaining regulatory compliance.Establish best practices around supplier qualification, validation testing, documentation, and ongoing performance management.Supplier Quality & Co-Manufacturer ManagementServe as the primary quality partner for the Company's global network of co-manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.Build trusted relationships while holding suppliers accountable to the Company's food safety and quality expectations.Evaluate supplier quality systems and establish standardized onboarding and validation processes for new manufacturing partners.Lead supplier audits and provide coaching to improve compliance, food safety practices, and operational execution.Manage corrective action programs and ensure timely resolution of quality issues.Food Safety & Regulatory ComplianceMaintain compliance with FDA, FSMA, FSVP, Organic (NOP), Fair Trade, Gluten-Free, Kosher, Non-GMO, HACCP, GFSI and customer-specific quality requirements.Lead all internal, customer, certification, and regulatory audits.Ensure ongoing audit readiness through robust documentation, monitoring, and internal controls.Maintain supplier certifications and ensure all required documentation remains current.Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and proactively implement necessary changes.Product Quality & Risk ManagementOversee validation testing programs for finished goods and ingredients.Develop risk-based testing schedules based on supplier performance, product category, and regulatory requirements.Partner with R&D and Operations to support commercialization of new products through quality planning and risk assessments.Maintain traceability systems, recall readiness, allergen controls, and complaint management processes.Lead mock recalls and continuous improvement initiatives related to food safety preparedness.Cross Functional LeadershipPartner with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, and Product Development to ensure quality considerations are integrated into business decisions.Translate complex quality and regulatory information into clear business recommendations for executive leadership.Present quality metrics, supplier performance, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.Serve as the company's quality expert with customers, certification bodies, and regulatory agencies.Qualifications7+ years of progressive Quality Assurance experience within a regulated food manufacturing environment.Experience managing quality across external manufacturing or co-manufacturing networks.Strong understanding of supplier quality management, food safety systems, and regulatory compliance.Experience working with global manufacturing partners, preferably throughout Asia.Background supporting organic, natural, specialty food, or consumer packaged goods preferred.Experience leading audits, supplier qualification, corrective action programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate is a technically strong quality professional who enjoys building relationships and influencing change across a complex global supply chain. They thrive in entrepreneurial environments where they can balance strategy with execution and are energized by improving systems rather than simply maintaining them. They are equally comfortable reviewing microbiological testing results, walking a supplier through corrective actions, presenting quality metrics to executive leadership, or traveling internationally to strengthen manufacturing partnerships. They possess the confidence to challenge suppliers when necessary while maintaining collaborative, long-term relationships.Most importantly, they are passionate about food quality, continuous improvement, and supporting a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable global food system.What Success Looks LikeWithin the first 12 months, this leader will have:Completed a comprehensive assessment of the Company's quality systems and implemented prioritized improvements.Strengthened supplier accountability and elevated quality standards across the global co-manufacturing network.Established more robust validation testing, documentation, and supplier onboarding processes.Enhanced audit readiness and maintained compliance across all certifications and regulatory requirements.Become a trusted cross-functional partner and strategic advisor to executive leadership on quality, food safety, and supplier performance.Built scalable quality systems capable of supporting the Company's continued growth and international expansion.Location + CompensationThis position is based in the Oakland/Emeryville area. The team is hybrid with a few days in office.Targeted compensation (base + bonus) is $145k-155k along participation in the company's stock option program.