Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

About Us:

Atomic is a venture studio that builds companies from scratch. We’re a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and operators who have built and scaled some of the most successful startups in the world. We specialize in creating disruptive businesses that solve real problems for e-commerce brands.

About the Role:

We’re a fast-growing pet-food brand in Stealth Mode scaling rapidly and we’re looking for a Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance who can lead our quality and food safety efforts across a network of third-party manufacturers and suppliers. This isn’t a plant-based QA role — it’s a strategic, hands-on position for someone who knows how to manage co-manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, contract packers, and build out product AAFCO Compliance to ensure world-class food safety and consistent product quality at scale.

You’ll build our required and best-practice internal food safety programs from the ground up (HACCP, GMPs, supplier approval, etc.), lead audits and compliance reviews across our external partners, and oversee end-to-end quality from sourcing through production to finished goods. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments and love the challenge of driving quality across multiple facilities and partners — this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and Own Our Food Safety System
• Design and document policies and SOPs that ensure compliance across external manufacturing and supply partners.
• Develop and implement HACCP, GMP, Allergen Control, Sanitation, and Recall programs tailored for co-manufacturing and multi-site operations, developing a standard for our brand while leveraging programs in place at third parties where applicable.

Align programs with FDA, USDA, and FSMA requirements for our product portfolio (frozen foods, sauces, and ready-to-eat items). Knowledge of Pet Food and AAFCO a very strong plus Partner closely with external QA and Operations teams at third party partners to validate processes and maintain food safety controls.

Bring and further build knowledge on regulatory requirements within the Pet space. Audit and Compliance Oversight

• Lead third-party and supplier audits to assess GFSI, food safety, and quality compliance.
• Build and manage a risk-based supplier approval program, including onboarding, monitoring, and corrective action follow-up.
• Coordinate with co-manufacturers during audit preparation, responses, and closure of findings.
• Maintain detailed supplier records and ensure continuous compliance improvement.

Quality Leadership Across Partners

• Establish and maintain product specifications, finished product testing, and shelf-life standards.
• Collaborate with R&D and Operations on scale-up and commercialization, ensuring product quality through every stage.
• Investigate non-conformances, manage CAPAs, and track trends across all partner sites.

Own quality complaints from customers, partnering closely with internal Customer Experience groups.

• Develop KPIs and reporting dashboards to monitor quality performance across the external network.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Work across departments (R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Customer Experience) to embed food safety and quality principles into product development and production.

• Provide training and support to both internal teams and manufacturing partners on quality expectations.

Represent the company during third-party audits, customer inquiries, and regulatory interactions. What You’ll Bring 10+ years of experience, with at least 4+ years in pet-specific food manufacturing with direct oversight of co-manufacturers, contract packers, or ingredient suppliers.

Experience with protein lean points (FOSS) a major plus as part of the quality and compliance focus.:

Proven ability to manage quality and food safety programs across multiple facilities and partners — not limited to a single production site. Expertise in building and managing HACCP and GFSI-aligned systems (SQF, BRC, etc.). Strong working knowledge of FDA, USDA, AAFCO, NASC, and FSMA regulations.

Experience conducting supplier audits and managing corrective actions.:

HACCP certification required; PCQI certification strongly preferred. Entrepreneurial and resourceful mindset — comfortable working in a high-growth, fast-moving environment. Comfortable taking ownership of this focus area and running with it with limited oversight Excellent communication and project management skills.

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.

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Atomic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis forbidden under federal, state, or local law. Please review our CCPA policies here.