About The Role:
Little Spoon was founded on the belief that today's parents are different-equal parts more time-strapped and more food-savvy than ever. We set out to disrupt a century-old category with products and an experience that deliver on what the modern parent deserves.
We're looking for a Senior Supplier Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager to join our team and help ensure the safety, quality, and consistency of our products as we continue to grow. In this role, you'll lead food safety and quality initiatives across our expanding network of suppliers and fulfillment partners, helping us deliver safe, high-quality meals and snacks to families nationwide.
This is a high-impact, highly collaborative position, perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, solutions-driven, and passionate about food safety and continuous improvement. We're looking for 8-10 years of experience in food safety and quality management within the food industry, with a strong understanding of supplier management and regulatory compliance. You'll report directly to our VP of Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory and play a critical role in supporting our mission of making parents' lives easier and kids healthier.
What You'll Do:
- Lead the supplier qualification process, conducting food safety and quality risk assessments during new product development and scoping.
- Partner closely with Operations and Product teams to communicate supplier qualification status, assess capabilities, and provide recommendations to ensure safe, high-quality products.
- Ensure timely implementation of preventive controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and risk mitigation measures. Participate in on-site production trials and onboarding activities for new suppliers.
- Own ongoing supplier performance monitoring, tracking key FSQA metrics including consumer complaints, product quality scores, deviations, and food safety incidents.
- Conduct regular supplier audits, on-site visits, and business reviews to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes, ensuring food safety and quality issues are investigated, addressed, and resolved in a timely manner.
- Drive the implementation of new and evolving food safety and quality standards, policies, and regulatory requirements across our supplier network.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives, partnering with Operations and Product teams to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and reduce waste without compromising food safety or quality.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with FSQA, Regulatory, Operations, and Product teams to support successful product launches and ensure timely execution of supplier-related initiatives.
- Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, analyze supplier performance, and drive efficiencies across food safety and quality processes.
What You'll Bring:
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for food safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risks and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Clear, effective communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional business partners.
- A strong sense of ownership and urgency when addressing food safety and quality concerns.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards across processes and procedures.
- A collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Comfort operating in a fast-paced, scaling startup environment where priorities evolve and adaptability is key.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to improve processes, drive efficiencies, and enhance decision-making.
What You'll Need:
- 8-10 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and supplier management within the food industry.
- Strong knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, including FSMA and HACCP requirements.
- Experience managing a diverse network of food suppliers, manufacturers, and contracted service providers.
- Familiarity with a variety of food production processes, manufacturing environments, and product categories.
- Demonstrated experience conducting supplier audits, managing corrective actions, and implementing food safety and quality programs.
- Strong technical, computer, and data management skills, with confidence using systems and technology to monitor performance and drive improvements.
- Experience working cross-functionally to establish priorities, manage timelines, and deliver results.