Head of Quality

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc is seeking a Head of Quality to join their senior management team. The successful candidate will lead the Quality Assurance and Quality Control strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining product excellence. With a focus on continuous improvement, this role demands extensive experience in quality management within the cosmetics or similar sectors. The successful candidate will also develop a robust Supplier Management program and enhance quality governance practices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality System Management.
• Experience managing technical teams (minimum 5 years).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Quality Assurance & Control strategy and policies.
• Implement Continuous Improvement Programs focused on quality system.
• Manage regulatory inspections and audits.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Quality Control

Leadership

Regulatory Knowledge

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Education

Post secondary education in Business, Science, or related field

Tools

Quality and ERP systems

MS programs and collaboration tools

Job description

Cosmetica is recognized for innovation, excellence, and commercialization with award-winning products. From concept to creation, we offer an unparalleled array of services that will inspire, create and deliver every step of the way. We value and recognize talent and want you to help us create beauty in the world! At Cosmetica Laboratories, we are committed to growing our internal employees and developing them to become the best version of themselves.

Head of Quality

Full Time, Permanent

Onsite Only - Scarborough ON

Purpose

As a key member of the senior management team, the Head of Quality, reporting in to the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for overseeing and directing the Quality Assurance & Quality Control strategy, Quality Management Systems, and policies and programs. This position is accountable for ensuring end-to-end quality governance, for developing and implementing the company’s quality system strategy and for translating the company’s quality strategy into SOPs, tactical policies, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and implement short-term and long-term strategies, goals and objectives, and tactics relating to cosmetics and OTC quality system regulatory requirements and quality assurance functions.
• Expand quality capabilities to embed quality governance across our end-to-end processes through an integrated product and process design and development structure.
• Implement robust Quality Planning, Engineering, Control and Assurance.
• Increase efficiencies through streamlined testing methodologies and processes.
• Increase efficiency and exceed customer expectations.
• Improve Quality and reduce COPQ.
• Implement end-to-end QMS model.
• Develop a robust Supplier Management Program to ensure that quality standards are being met throughout the supply chain, and to identify any quality issues or potential risks.
• Implement a continuous improvement program that focuses on identifying and addressing areas for improvement in the quality system, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement a product testing program to ensure that products meet or exceed industry standards and customer expectations through the development and implementation of testing protocols, regular product testing, and analyzing test results to identify areas for improvement.
• Design and develop key quality, compliance, and performance indicators. Implement and enforce best practices, processes, guidelines, systems, and technology to support and enhance the quality assurance function and the quality management system.
• Keep current on changes in industry and regulatory quality standards and advise on business impact.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including R&I, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other internal functions to act as a strategic partner in improving the quality of products and processes.
• Develop and manage relationships with senior Quality representatives from clients, suppliers, and collaborators, ensuring that quality standards are being met throughout the supply chain.
• Communicate quality-related issues and concerns to senior management, providing recommendations for improvement, and ensuring that quality is a key consideration in organizational decision-making.
• Manage and lead the Quality team, including setting team goals and objectives, assigning roles and responsibilities, performance management, and optimizing the organizational structure to meet business needs.
• Provide technical assistance and direction in the areas of quality engineering, compliance, chemistry, microbiology, and physical testing to ensure adherence to quality standards and objectives.
• Responsible for capability building, staffing, and ensuring training of employees; planning, assigning, and measuring work; development of staff, talent assessments and succession planning.
• Lead the Quality Assurance department as client projects transition from early phase through product innovation and commercial development/manufacturing to release readiness.
• Ensure consistent quality standards across all relevant key business processes.
• Asses current, and where needed, develop corporate and/or other organizational polices related to compliance and oversee their implementation, including quality standards and SOPs.
• Act as a strategic advisor to ensure all internal and external quality issues are properly investigated and documented, and corrective and preventative measures are recommended and implemented.
• Ensure the company is always ready for inspection; accountable for managing regulatory agencies and customer audits. Manage, as the primary point of contact, internal and regulatory agency inspections.
• Direct the quality control department programs involving inspection/testing, methods, devices and controls.
• Oversee the planning and conduct internal and external audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and GMP requirements for investigational and commercial manufacturing, and ensure corrective actions are implemented to resolve audit findings.
• Use incident and Corrective and Preventive Action (“CAPA”) activities and processes to drive quality improvements and respond to process and service issues.
• Provide quality-related guidance and support to other departments, such as R&I, production, engineering and maintenance, and supply chain, to ensure that quality standards are upheld throughout the organization.
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop and implement strategies to address any issues.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Quality operation budget to ensure compliance with approved expense limitations. Determine cause of variance to budget and applicable corrective actions.
  
  

Skills, Experience And Education

• 10+ years progressive experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality System Management in a Cosmetics, Personal Care, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical or OTC manufacturing environment.
• Post secondary education in Business, Science, or related field (e.g., engineering, chemistry, biology).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing a team of technical professionals to provide leadership and guidance.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively organize, plan and execute all business strategies.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing effective quality assurance and quality control programs.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards related to the consumer goods industry.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Technologically savvy: MS programs and collaboration tools, Quality and ERP systems
• Experience working within a contract manufacturing environment considered an asset.
• R&D/product innovation experience is an asset.
  
  

Interested candidates are welcome to submit their application directly to this posting. We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls, please.

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and one which reflects the diversity of the community in which we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please advise when submitting your application.