Manager, FSQA: Co-Manufacturing Operations

Open Farm; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pet feeding program

Pet-friendly office

RRSP with match

Wellness and personal days

Job summary

Open Farm seeks a Manager, FSQA: Co-Manufacturing Operations to lead food safety and quality across our supply chain. You will partner with Operations, Procurement, and R&D to align co-manufacturing partners with Open Farm standards.

The role emphasizes HACCP, SQF/BRCGS readiness, and CAPA execution, ensuring compliant products across NA markets while maintaining openness and transparency in sourcing and safety.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food safety and quality assurance, pet or regulated consumer goods
• Direct experience managing co-manufacturing relationships
• Hands-on HACCP plan development and third-party certification programs (SQF, BRCGS)

Responsibilities

• Oversee co-manufacturing FSQA contacts and drive continuous improvement
• Maintain HACCP, GMPs, allergen management, sanitation programs
• Lead third-party audits (SQF, BRCGS) across partners
• Review COAs, supplier scorecards, and product specs
• Ensure FSMA compliance across facilities and suppliers
• Develop FSQA training for internal teams and partners

Skills

FSQA leadership

Co-manufacturing mgmt

Audit readiness

HACCP knowledge

FSMA compliance

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science / related

Tools

ERP systems

QMS software

Job description

Manager, FSQA: Co-Manufacturing Operations

Canada

About Us

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. Headquarteredin Torontoand with teammembersacross 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 doinggood for all animals and the environment.

The Opportunity

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 VP 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

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

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

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
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to build structure in a scaling, entrepreneurial environment
• Willingness to travel to co-manufacturer and supplier facilities as needed (estimated 10–20%)

Preferred Qualifications

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification
• SQF Practitioner or Lead Auditor certification
• Experience in a brand-owned, co-manufactured supply chain model
• Passion for pet health, sustainability, and responsible sourcing — aligned with Open Farm's mission

What We Offer You — It’s the Perfect Package

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a mission-driven, dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals.
• Competitive compensation and a full suite of benefits, including a monthly pet feeding program for someone who loves to keep their pet well-fed year-round.
• Great office culture (with numerous adorable pets!) where your pet interrupting a video call or meeting is the norm.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage and RRSP plans with company match.
• Discounted food, apparel, and insurance for your furry family members.
• PTO plus company-wide wellness and personal days to support your well-being.
• Volunteer days to give back to our community.

AI Statement:

Open Farm may use AI tools to help organize and review applications efficiently. While technology supports our process, every hiring decision is made by our team, with care and intention. We also prioritize meaningful human connection, which is why our interview process includes in-person conversations—because technology can support the process, but can’t replace the impact of human connection.

Compensation:

The hiring range for this role is $90,000 - $110,000 annually, with final compensation thoughtfully aligned to your experience, skills, and the value you bring. At Open Farm, we know great people don’t always fit a mold, so role scope and compensation may evolve to reflect your unique strengths. This position may also include additional rewards such as performance-based bonuses and other incentives. We believe in growing together through a pay-for-performance approach that recognizes impact over time. Beyond compensation, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits and perks package designed to support your well-being and help you feel connected, supported, and inspired at work.

Hybrid Work

At Open Farm, we believe in the power of collaboration, meaningful connections, and enjoying our work together—furry friends included! That’s why we’ve adopted a structured hybrid approach that allows you the benefit of a reduced commute while still building strong workplace relationships. Currently, all employees are expected to be in the office two days per week at minimum, with Tuesday and Thursday as our anchor days. In addition to this, each month our Leadership team dedicates three consecutive days onsite to continue to foster alignment and connection across the team. During this time we expect everyone to join us in person to do the same. Please note: our hybrid approach may evolve over time as we adapt to the needs of our team and business.

Our Values

We Raise the Bar | We Open the Barn Doors | We Graze Lightly | We Are Customer Obsessed | We Are One Team | Win-Win Partnerships

Open Farm values diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants requiring a disability‑related accommodation at any stage of Open Farm'srecruitment process should contact [e-mail]. As required by legislation, Open Farm will consult with applications requesting such an accommodation to ensure that Open Farm's recruitment processtakes into accounttheir accessibility needs.