SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 90,000 - 115,000 / annual
Starface, a cosmetics company founded in 2019, is seeking a Manager of Quality Assurance to lead global quality systems, compliance, and product integrity as the company expands its portfolio of expressive pimple patches and skincare products.
Reporting to the Head of Operations, this role owns comprehensive quality assurance across product testing, technical packaging, supplier quality management, non-conformance investigations, and continuous improvement. You will partner closely with Product Development, Logistics, Packaging, Regulatory, Creative, and Customer Experience teams to ensure products meet Starface's high standards for safety, performance, packaging quality, and consumer satisfaction.
Key responsibilities include:
**Quality Management System:** Oversee the 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 reviews. Maintain Product Information Files (PIFs) and keep quality records current (specs, COAs, ILs, SDS, test results, lot codes, shelf life/PAO). Train cross-functional teams on quality requirements. Lead annual Quality Management Reviews and quarterly Quality Steering; report quality KPIs to leadership. Prepare for and host quality audits and FDA inspections; run internal audits and annual mock recalls.
**Product Testing & Quality Control:** Lead product testing programs for all new launches, including stability, compatibility, packaging validation, AQL inspections, and production surveillance testing. Manage external 3PL lab relationships and testing coordination. Establish and maintain AQL standards. Review and approve finished goods, raw material, and bulk COAs, test reports, batch records, and release documentation.
**Production Release & Launch Readiness:** Review and approve pre-production, first-production, and in-line samples against specs, artwork, and standards; disposition lots and manage quality holds. Set up, execute, and approve line trials. Own quality gates in the NPD stage-gate process. Book and manage third-party inspections; 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. 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, etc.). Develop Finished Good Quality specifications for all new products and maintain specifications for existing products.
**Supplier Quality & Third-Party Audits:** Manage supplier quality programs, including onboarding, qualification, technical transfers, and ongoing performance evaluation of manufacturers, fillers, and material suppliers. Coordinate and/or conduct third-party audits and assessments; track findings and corrective actions. Establish and maintain supplier quality metrics. Manage licensor quality compliance (e.g., Disney factory audits).
**Non-Conformance, CAPA & Continuous Improvement:** Lead non-conformance investigations, root-cause analysis, and CAPA activities. 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.
**Consumer-Centricity & Complaints Management:** Oversee complaints intake, review, categorization, trending, and reporting. Lead quality review of escalation cases and manage adverse event reporting. Translate consumer insights into actionable improvements.
**Regulatory Affairs (supporting the regulatory manager):** Maintain up-to-date product registrations (MoCRA compliance, OTC drug listings, medical device establishment and product listings). Support ingredient, label, and claims reviews. Partner with external regulatory agencies, consultants, suppliers, and retailers. Provide updates on relevant regulatory changes.
**Requirements:**
- BS in a scientific field (Chemistry, Biology, Engineering) or equivalent experience
- 4+ years of experience in quality assurance roles within cosmetics, OTC, or medical device environments with understanding of FDA requirements
- Strong experience and deep understanding of technical packaging validation and testing processes
- Experience with QMS systems (document control, SOPs, change control)
- Experience with product testing (stability, compatibility, AQL, surveillance)
- Strong working experience in supplier quality, audits, and compliance management
- Non-conformance investigations, CAPA, and root-cause analysis experience
- Experience working with ERPs (NetSuite ideal but not required)
- Experience supporting complaints handling, trending, and adverse event reporting
- Ideally, experience working in a manufacturing environment and with production teams (processing, packaging, assembly)
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at balancing accuracy with fast timelines
- Excel in cross-functional project management and transparent communication
- Proactive, curious, and entrepreneurial—anticipating needs and preparing for challenges
- Ability to translate complex quality and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and pride yourself on 'figuring it out'
**Nice to have:** Experience in beauty and wellness industry, regulatory experience, NetSuite (ERP), Greenlight Guru (QMS), experience with intelligence platforms (building dashboards & KPI reporting), located in Los Angeles, CA area for periodic site visits.
