Senior Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Description

About Stella & Chewy's:

Stella & Chewy's is a beloved brand in the pet food industry, renowned for crafting high-quality, natural pet foods that cater to the health and well-being of dogs and cats. Our commitment to uncompromising quality and nutrition has made us a favorite among pet parents and professionals alike. As we continue to grow and innovate in the pet food space, we are seeking a skilled and passionate Director of DTC to drive our online sales and presence to new heights.

The Role:

The Senior Manager of Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for leading and managing the company’s food safety and quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and internal quality standards. This role oversees FSQA operations across all manufacturing and internal distribution facilities, and acts as a strategic leader in continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and food safety culture.

Responsibilities

• Drive problem solving for FSQA projects using cause mapping and CAPA compliance. Develop and implement comprehensive food safety strategies that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements
• Develop & execute quality tools, processes, projects with influencing maintenance/engineering & manufacturing plants FSQA teams to improve product quality, enhance food safety systems and processes to ensure a robust system to mitigate risk
• Lead change management of significant improvements to the bottom line through continuous improvement programs and refine processes to maintain the highest standards of product safety and integrity
• Plans and conducts documented, internal and external GMP audits of activities, procedures and work instructions to assess compliance with FDA, SQF, and local regulations
• Evaluates corrective and preventative action responses to audit findings for adequacy and timeliness and manages the closeout of all corrective and preventative actions
• Exercises plant floor leadership skills and applies and develops departmental SOPs, and SSOP’s as appropriately
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, training, development and review of FSQA technicians and supervisors across 3 shifts. Oversee scheduling to assure facility has FSQA coverage on all required days/shifts.  
• Support and review incoming raw material receipts, manufacturing processes, plant environment and finished product testing in a prompt and professional manner. 
• Participates in scheduled managerial meetings and effectively communicates food safety and quality opportunities.  
• Compiles statistical data, reports and summaries for their own and other facility departments.
• Works with Operations team to address any customer services inquiries.
• Provide regular reports to the executive team on the status of food safety and quality assurance programs, including key metrics, risk assessments, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain professional working relationships with operations and plant management, regulatory agencies, and suppliers.
• to ensure strict adherence to plant policies, rules, regulatory compliance, and company’s quality policy.
• Lead/participate in company’s continuous improvement and safety programs.
• Ensure facility conforms to APHIS requirements for exporting finished goods. Participate in annual audit with APHIS.  
• Ensure new products and processes are onboarded meeting expectations. Act as a liaison between operations, supply chain, food safety, maintenance and marketing for these projects.  
• Act as a backup for the FSQA Director as necessary

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• HACCP certification
• PCQI certificate 
• SQF/GFSI certification 

Experience:

• 7 years of experience in food safety and quality roles in a manufacturing environment. 
• 3–5 years in a leadership capacity with in 
• In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing practices, HACCP, FSMA, and GFSI schemes (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, etc.).
• Food microbiology background required
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, driving substantial organizational change, and fostering a food safety and human safety culture
• Ability to develop and execute comprehensive food safety strategies that align with overall business goals.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing sites and suppliers.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in a Pet food manufacturing environment 
• Experience with product categories such as [e.g., dairy, bakery, frozen foods, meat, etc.].
• Familiarity with ERP and quality management software.
• Experience working in both large-scale operations and entrepreneurial environments.