QA+QC Manager

Thrive Causemetics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Employee discount

Life Insurance

Job summary

Thrive Causemetics is seeking an experienced QA/QC Manager to lead quality assurance and quality control across color cosmetics and skincare. You will oversee product safety, performance, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and testing partners.

Occasional travel is required for audits and line trials. The role demands 5+ years in QA/QC within beauty, strong knowledge of GMP, and familiarity with global cosmetic regulations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of QA/QC experience in the beauty or personal care industry.
• Experience with color cosmetics and skincare products.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with cosmetic testing methods (microbiological, stability, compatibility) and documentation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Cosmetic Science or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) tailored to a DTC beauty brand.
• Document SOPs for product development, manufacturing, and testing processes.
• Audit contract manufacturers and suppliers for GMP and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D and Product Development to integrate quality protocols early in the product lifecycle.
• Lead CAPA initiatives and mentor cross-functional teams.
• Travel domestically and internationally to audit line trials and warehouses.

Skills

QA/QC Leadership

GMP Knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Audit Management

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

QMS Software

Job description

Location: In-Office 5 days/week in Playa Vista, CA HQ

Who We Are:

Thrive Causemetics is Bigger Than Beauty™: We are an independent, female-owned beauty brand that creates high-performance vegan cosmetics and supports a community of giving. All of Thrive Causemetics’ products are free of parabens and sulfates, in addition to being 100 percent cruelty‑free. Through its Bigger Than Beauty™ program, every product purchased results in a donation to help communities thrive.

Thrive Causemetics is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and cross‑functional workplace where everyone’s voice matters. We are committed to being pioneers in creating a culture of wellness. Together, we prioritize a strong work ethic while maintaining a positive, exciting environment where people are passionate about what they do.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking an experienced QA/QC Manager to lead quality assurance and quality control efforts across our color cosmetics and skincare product lines. This critical role will oversee all aspects of product quality, ensuring that our formulations, packaging, and finished goods meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. As the QA/QC Manager, you will work closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and external testing partners and warehouses to uphold our brand’s reputation for exceptional quality. This role will require occasional travel to physically audit inventory and visit CMs to inspect product quality.

What You Will Be Doing:

Quality Assurance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) tailored to the needs of a DTC beauty brand.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for product development, manufacturing, and testing processes.
• Conduct audits of contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure adherence to quality standards, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams to integrate quality protocols early in the product lifecycle.

Quality Control:

• Oversee the testing of bulk formulations, and finished products to ensure consistency, safety, and efficacy.
• Manage third‑party labs and testing facilities for microbiological, stability, and compatibility testing.
• Create and implement incoming inspection protocols for packaging, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Investigate and resolve quality issues, including product non‑conformance, consumer complaints, and manufacturing deviations.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay current with global cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU, etc.) and ensure all products meet applicable standards for safety and labeling.
• Support documentation and regulatory submissions, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Product Information Files (PIF).

Team Leadership:

• Train and mentor cross‑functional teams on quality standards and best practices.
• Lead root cause analyses and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.

Travel

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed to CMs to physically audit line trials and facilities.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed warehouses to conduct an AQL (acceptance quality limits) on incoming product shipments.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• 5+ years of QA/QC experience in the beauty or personal care industry, specifically with color cosmetics and skincare or similar consumer products.
• Strong understanding and ability to analyze cosmetic products, manufacturing processes, and documentation.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with QMS software and familiarity with cosmetic testing methods (e.g., microbiological, stability, compatibility).
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.

$90,000 - $130,000 a year

Thrive Causemetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship for an immigration‑related work benefit. Thrive Causemetics does not hire H‑1B, F‑1 CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT candidates for this role.

The base pay range for this role is $90,000 - $130,000 with the following factors determining the base pay at offer: skills, qualifications, experience. This range provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. Additionally, this role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance. Thrive Causemetics provides a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks, life insurance, disability insurance, and employee assistance programs.