Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA)

About the role

At Open Farm we are transforming the way people feed their pets, with a focus on producing premium, healthy food and treats, all ethically sourced from farm-to-bowl. Headquartered in Toronto and with team members across the US, Open Farm is one of the fastest growing CPG companies in North America. We believe that the best foods are made with consciously sourced, top-quality ingredients from farmers and fisheries who believe in doing good for all animals and the environment. 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. What You Will Own and Drive Food Safety Program Management 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 Quality Assurance & Supplier Management 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 Co-Manufacturing Oversight 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 Consumer & Regulatory Compliance 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 Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement 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 What you bring to the table: Education & Experience 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) Technical Knowledge 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 Skills & Competencies Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple pr

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