Director of Quality

Job Title: Director of Quality

Department: Quality

Work Location: St. Louis, MO (hybrid)

OVERVIEW

Native Pet is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented leader to become our Director of Quality. This is a unique opportunity to build and scale our quality assurance, regulatory, and quality control functions as we continue to grow rapidly across both brick & mortar and ecommerce. The Director of Quality will ensure that our products consistently meet the highest standards, supporting the reputation of our brand in the marketplace.

As a proven leader in quality management within the CPG industry, this individual will play a critical role in safeguarding Native Pet’s product integrity and consumer trust. You will directly oversee all aspects of quality assurance and quality control, including compliance, regulatory standards, testing protocols, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives across our production processes and supplier network. The Director of Quality will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring that quality is integrated into every phase of product development and delivery. The Director of Quality will report to the Co-Founder/COO.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Quality Programs: Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive quality assurance and quality control programs to ensure product consistency and safety.
• Regulatory Compliance: Oversee all regulatory compliance processes, ensuring that products meet FDA, AAFCO, and any other applicable industry standards.
• Testing Oversight: Lead and manage product testing, audits, and inspections to ensure adherence to both internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Quality Metrics: Establish and monitor quality metrics, identifying areas for continuous improvement across production and supply chain functions.
• Corrective Actions: Conduct root cause analyses and drive corrective actions for any product quality issues or deviations.
• Supplier Management: Ensure all suppliers and co-manufacturers meet Native Pet’s quality standards by implementing robust supplier quality management programs, including audits and qualification processes.
• Documentation Management: Develop and manage documentation for all quality processes, including SOPs, testing protocols, and regulatory filings.
• Industry Awareness: Stay current on industry regulations and trends, ensuring that Native Pet’s products are compliant with evolving standards.
• Team Development: Foster a culture of quality throughout the organization by training and mentoring internal teams on best practices for quality assurance and control.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with product development and operations teams to integrate quality considerations into new product formulations, packaging, and production processes.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

• 10+ years of experience in quality assurance
• Experience in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment, preferably with scaling quality programs for pet and/or food companies.
• Proven track record of leading and implementing quality management systems and ensuring compliance with FDA, AAFCO, and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Deep expertise in product testing, audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation, with measurable success in enhancing product quality and reducing defects.
• Experience managing supplier quality assurance programs and working with contract manufacturers to uphold rigorous quality standards.
• Demonstrated success in navigating and ensuring regulatory compliance across new product launches, from formulation to packaging, while staying up-to-date with evolving industry regulations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive continuous improvement initiatives and elevate quality metrics.
• Excellent project management skills, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with operations and marketing to integrate quality into every aspect of the business.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, able to influence internal and external partners to prioritize quality objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in building a culture of quality, fostering strong relationships with internal teams, and mentoring teams on best practices for quality assurance and control.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary with opportunity for equity/performance compensation
• Opportunity to join a venture-backed, high-growth start-up in one of the fastest-growing categories in all of CPG
• Fun, empathetic, and caring team focused on your success and quality of life
• Open vacation policy designed to have a more seamless work life balance
• St Louis office located on the newly renovated City Foundry campus
• Dogs and cats are welcome in the office (obviously)