Manager, Quality Assurance

Starface is seeking a Manager, Quality Assurance to support our global quality systems, compliance, and product integrity as we continue to expand our portfolio and elevate our consumer experience. This role is heavily focused on quality assurance, including product testing, technical packaging, supplier quality management, non-conformance investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role reports to the Head of Operations, partnering closely with Product Development, Logistics, Packaging, Regulatory, Creative, and Customer Experience teams to ensure our products meet Starface’s high standards for safety, performance, packaging quality, and consumer satisfaction.

Quality Management System

• Oversee the Starface quality management system (QMS) and ensure execution of all quality control and compliance requirements
• Write and maintain quality SOPs, policies, and standards; manage document control, change management, and periodic document reviews
• Maintain Product Information Files (PIFs)
• Keep quality records current in the QMS (specs, COAs, ILs, SDS, test results, lot codes, shelf life/PAO)
• Train cross-functional teams on quality requirements and document training
• Lead the annual Quality Management Review and quarterly Quality Steering; report quality KPIs to leadership
• Prepare for and host quality audits and FDA inspections; run internal audits and the annual mock recall

Product Testing & Quality Control

• Lead product testing programs for all new product launches, including stability, compatibility, packaging validation, AQL inspections, and production surveillance testing.
• Manage external 3PL lab relationships and any external testing coordination including test submissions, tracking, testing reviews, and invoice approvals
• Establish and maintain AQL standards and support factories in meeting Starface requirements.
• Review and approve finished goods, raw material, and bulk COAs, test reports, batch records, and release documentation as applicable.

Production Release & Launch Readiness

• Review and approve pre-production, first-production, and in-line samples and pre-assembly photos against specs, artwork, and standards; disposition lots and manage quality holds
• Set up, execute, and approve line trials; track first productions for new launches
• Own quality gates in the NPD stage-gate process with PD and Operations
• Book and manage third-party inspections (e.g., Factored Quality); define sampling plans and rework procedures
• Maintain production color/print standards, rangeboards, and retained samples

Packaging Quality & Technical Validation

• Support packaging development and engineering, advising on technical requirements, specifications, test parameters, and risk considerations (cosmetic / skincare / beauty experience preferred)
• Partner with PD and Packaging to validate component design, functionality, material compatibility, and manufacturability
• Oversee packaging testing requirements (drop tests, leakage, transit testing, seal integrity), and ensure successful qualification before commercial production
• Develop Finished Good Quality specifications for all new products and maintain specifications for all existing products including pack redesign updates, testing requirements and methods, dimensions, etc.

Supplier Quality & Third-Party Audits

• Manage supplier quality programs, including onboarding, qualification, technical transfers to new or secondary-source suppliers, and ongoing performance evaluation of manufacturers, fillers, and material suppliers
• Coordinate and/or conduct third-party audits and assessments; track findings, corrective actions, and follow-up
• Establish and maintain supplier quality metrics and develop corrective action plans as needed
• Manage licensor quality compliance (e.g., Disney factory audits and documentation)

Non-Conformance, CAPA & Continuous Improvement

• Lead non-conformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA activities to drive sustainable improvements across suppliers and internal teams
• Maintain and enhance systems for quality metrics, deviation tracking, risk assessments, and continuous improvement programs
• Identify trends and develop proactive strategies to prevent quality issues before they arise

Consumer-Centricity & Complaints Management

• Oversee complaints intake, review, categorization, trending, and reporting, partnering with CX to ensure timely and meaningful responses
• Lead quality review of escalation cases and manage adverse event reporting processes
• Translate consumer insights into actionable product or process improvements

Regulatory Affairs

• Maintain up-to-date product registrations (MoCRA compliance, OTC drug listings, and medical device establishment and product listings)
• Support ingredient, label, and claims reviews, ensuring compliance with domestic and international regulations
• Partner with external regulatory agencies, consultants, suppliers, and retailers as needed for filings and documentation (ILs, SDS, COAs, certifications, etc.)
• Provide updates to internal teams on relevant regulatory changes (MoCRA, Prop 65, global cosmetics regulations, etc.)

This role is for you if

• You hold a BS in a scientific field (Chemistry, Biology, Engineering) or equivalent experience
• You have 4+ years of experience in quality assurance roles within cosmetics, OTC, or medical device environments and understand FDA requirements
• You have strong experience and a deep understanding of technical packaging validation and testing processes
• You have experience with QMS systems (document control, SOPs, change control)
• You have experience with product testing (stability, compatibility, AQL, surveillance)
• You have strong working experience in supplier quality, audits, and compliance management
• You have non-conformance investigations, CAPA, root-cause analysis experience
• You have experience working with ERPs (Netsuite ideal but not required)
• You have supported complaints handling, trending, and adverse event reporting
• Ideally, you have experience working in a manufacturing environment and with production teams (processing, packaging, assembly)
• You’re highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at balancing accuracy with fast timelines
• You excel in cross-functional project management and transparent communication
• You’re proactive, curious, and entrepreneurial—anticipating needs and preparing for challenges before they arise
• You translate complex quality and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance
• You’re comfortable operating in ambiguity and pride yourself on ‘figuring it out.’

Bonus points (nice to have but not required!)

• Experience in the beauty and wellness industry
• Regulatory experience
• NetSuite (ERP)
• Greenlight Guru (QMS)
• Experience with intelligence platforms (e.g., building dashboards & KPI reporting)
• You are located in the Los Angeles, CA area for periodic site visits