Senior Quality Lead, Co-Manufacturing & External Partners

Finlays; Gonzales (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plan

Quarterly incentive bonus

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

401(k)

Job summary

Finlays Solutions is seeking a Senior Quality Lead for External Manufacturing to own quality systems and governance across third‑party manufacturing partners. You will drive QA/QC programs, audits, and regulatory compliance, while leading cross‑functional efforts with R&D and Operations.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong relationships with external partners, and the ability to create structured processes in evolving environments. Hybrid work with travel approximately 30%.

Qualifications

• Formal training or certifications in HACCP, FSMA/PCQI, and auditing.
• Minimum 5 years in Quality, Food Safety, or Technical roles within food manufacturing, with direct experience in supplier quality, co-manufacturing, or external manufacturing oversight.
• Auditing experience is non‑negotiable — must independently plan, conduct, and report supplier audits, including follow‑through.
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety legislation, and quality system standards; microbiology or product development exposure is a plus.
• Exceptional communication skills — confident in group settings, able to lead discussions with external partners, and synthesize technical information into clear business recommendations.
• Willingness and ability to travel (~30%).
• Self‑directed and autonomous — once onboarded, must independently coordinate work, communicate updates, and manage travel and partner interactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and govern the quality and food safety management systems for all U.S.-based third‑party manufacturing supporting Finlays Solutions.
• Standardize quality expectations across all co‑manufacturers and external partners, ensuring consistent application of Finlays’ requirements.
• Create structure where processes are immature or ambiguous, establishing clear workflows, documentation, and governance.
• Develop and execute QA/QC programs including specifications, analytical testing plans, and verification protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D and Operations to define critical‑to‑quality parameters and food safety requirements for each product and process.
• Ensure regulatory and customer compliance by working directly with co‑manufacturers and relevant authorities.
• Lead non‑conformance investigations including customer complaints, ensuring timely escalation and closure.
• Conduct onsite audits and maintain ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Own the onboarding process for new co‑manufacturers in alignment with Finlays’ Supplier Management Program.
• Coordinate independently across R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Site QA to drive aligned outcomes.

Skills

Quality leadership

Food safety

Regulatory knowledge

Auditing

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Finlays Solutions is seeking a Senior Quality Lead for External Manufacturing to own quality systems and governance across third‑party manufacturing partners. You will drive QA/QC programs, audits, and regulatory compliance, while leading cross‑functional efforts with R&D and Operations.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong relationships with external partners, and the ability to create structured processes in evolving environments. Hybrid work with travel approximately 30%.