Quality Manager (Remote) Job at Antelope in Chicago

ABOUT ANTELOPEAntelope, an omni-channel, pet consumer platform, was founded in August 2021 with the mission to elevate the lives of pets by delivering the highest quality products across all pet products and services via a buy and build strategy. "Ante" means to increase the stakes or consideration of, and "lope" means to leap with bounding steps-together, we are elevating the standards of pet care by buying, building and growing high-quality, natural pet brands. We're backed by Alpine Investors and have made four acquisitions so far (Bocce's Bakery, Diggin' Your Dog / Super Snouts, Doggo, My Perfect Pet and Ark Naturals), and we're still just getting started! We have plans to acquire 5-15 additional all-natural, high-quality brands to become the one-stop-shop for pet parents.OVERVIEWAntelope is hiring an experienced Quality Lead to manage and oversee our comprehensive quality programs at both external manufacturing partners and internal production facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all aspects of product quality, compliance with all regulatory standards including FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, and AAFCO, and maintaining documentation integrity. This role will be full-time and is remote but will preferably be based near one of our key manufacturing locations in Dallas, TX, Reno, NV or Chicago, IL.RESPONSIBILITIESQuality Systems ManagementDevelop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive QA/QC program that integrates best practices and meets regulatory requirements.Regularly review and refine quality procedures and protocols to ensure alignment with evolving industry standards and regulatory changes.Compliance OversightEnsure full compliance with all relevant standards, including FDA, USDA, AAFCO, OSHA as well as state and local requirements, across both external manufacturers and internal production sites.Prepare and manage all necessary documentation and submissions for product certifications, license renewals, and regulatory inspections, including but not limited to writing HACCP and SOP plans; adhering to all FSMA requirements and beyond.Manufacturing OversightManage and audit quality control processes at internal manufacturing facilities to ensure consistent product quality and safety.Coordinate with external manufacturers to enforce quality standards and compliance, ensuring all products meet company specifications.Audit and ReportingConduct regular internal and external audits to verify adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.Analyze audit findings, report outcomes to senior management, and implement corrective actions as necessary.Team Leadership and DevelopmentTrain internal teams on the floor of our manufacturing facility, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, managing all communications and facilitating any required actions.Continuous ImprovementUtilize data and feedback from quality control measures to identify trends, pinpoint issues, and implement process improvements across production lines.Promote and lead initiatives for lean manufacturing and continuous improvement processes within quality management.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree: Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience in a quality assurance/control role within the pet food industry or related CPG sector.Extensive knowledge of FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, and AAFCO regulations and standards.Proven experience managing quality assurance programs across multiple manufacturing sites.Experience in implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement processes.Certifications related to Quality Management or HACCP.Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure.Comfortable in ambiguous situations and able to confidently operate with limited oversightPrior experience with fast-growing consumer companiesMust love dogs or cats (& treats!)WHAT WE OFFERConnected remote first culture with a highly engaged distributed workforceUnlimited PTOCompetitive compensationMedical, dental, and vision insurance401K employer matchParental leaveDiscounted Doggo pet insuranceFree treats!