Director of Quality Assurance - Austin, United States - Serenity Kids

Description

SERENITY KIDS:

Serenity Kids is cultivating health, equality, and sustainability through baby food high in healthy fat and protein and made with organic vegetables and meat from regenerative family farms. We make children healthier by offering nutrient-dense foods that taste great to kids and are convenient for parents. We envision a thriving planet where children are fed, raised, and educated to be healthy, happy, creative human beings.

Serenity Kids is the fastest growing and top selling shelf stable baby food in the country. Since launching in 2018, we now sell in over 18,000 stores nationwide with more on the way and have a total of 35 products in three categories, with line extensions and new categories in the works.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Quality Assurance will lead the development and maintenance of a Total Quality Management System (TQMS) to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards, while also overseeing product quality assurance and risk assessment initiatives. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to establish product quality specifications and drive improvements in ingredient and product quality, ensuring brand compliance with industry regulations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

The ideal candidate for this role is an analytical, strategic and collaborative leader, possessing a deep understanding of quality management systems, a meticulous attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for delivering products that exceed customers' expectations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Total Quality Management System (TQMS): Develop, implement, and maintain a robust TQMS to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards. Oversee the continuous improvement of TQMS processes, including documentation, supplier qualification, audits, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Product Quality Assurance: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and enforce product quality specifications, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards. Conduct regular product quality inspections and lead investigations into any deviations from established standards.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Lead initiatives to conduct risk assessments related to product safety and environmental contaminants, including heavy metals and emerging topics of concern. Implement effective risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential quality and safety risks throughout the supply chain. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mitigation strategies into overall operational practices.
• Supplier Quality Management: Work closely with suppliers to establish and maintain high-quality raw materials and ingredients. Develop and implement supplier quality assurance programs to monitor and improve supplier performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay on top of industry regulations and standards related to food and beverage manufacturing of products intended for babies and young children, including the evolving heavy metal regulatory landscape. Ensure brand compliance with local, national, and international regulations governing the production and distribution of baby and children's food products and build our quality program to lead the charge with supply chain to improve ingredient and product quality.
• Customer Complaint Management and Investigation: Maintain a robust system for receiving, investigating & resolving customer complaints related to product quality and safety. Analyze complaint trends using statistical methods to gain insights to allow for targeted improvements. Ensure corrective actions are implemented and champion continuous improvement measures based on customer feedback.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead and mentor the quality assurance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Provide training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of the quality assurance team.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data-driven insights to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for innovation. Prepare and present regular reports to executive leadership on quality metrics, compliance status, and improvement initiatives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality assurance with 3+ years of experience in a leadership (people management) role
• Bachelor's degree in a science-based field (i.e. food science, biology) preferred
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements, quality standards, and industry best practices related to baby food product manufacturing and safety
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, setting strategic goals, and delivering results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency in quality systems, HACCP, sanitation and allergen management, as well as FDA and USDA regulations
• Ability to travel up to 20%
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams to drive successful food safety and quality improvement initiatives

WHY WORK AT SERENITY KIDS?

Serenity Kids is committed to creating a workplace that feeds the soul. We integrate our mission to make the world healthier into everything we do by creating a culture that emphasizes self-care, personal growth, and family time. We attract and retain top performers that will do whatever it takes to get the job done, while also staying healthy and having fun Connection and autonomy are two of our top values, so working with us is an opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative community where you have the flexibility and freedom to get your job done however works best for you.

We believe in our own greatness, knowing that we can achieve anything if we stay connected to ourselves and each other, leveraging our unique talents and points of view, and trusting in the serendipities that naturally unfold for us. We joined this team to make the world better, while also realizing that it is a beautiful opportunity to make ourselves better as well. In this chosen tribe, we have diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, unique points of view, and even live in different geographies. We get to be who we are and grow into more of ourselves every day.

We are reinventing what it means to work and are having a blast doing it.

Based on this position and the requirements above, we are offering a yearly salary of $140,000+ plus a bonus potential and equity for this position.

Serenity Kids offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package, including:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Unlimited paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• 13 paid company holidays
• Birthday off with pay
• Company shutdown from December 24th - January 1st
• Generous parental leave program
• Professional development support
• Complimentary baby food products

Serenity Kids is an Equal Opportunity Employer