Quality, Safety & Regulatory Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Quality, Safety and Regulatory Manager is a key operational leader responsible for ensuring Vanguard Soap consistently delivers safe, high-quality, regulatory compliant products and processes at scale.

This leader operates as both a strategic quality architect and hands-on plant partner, with a strong presence on the production floor. The role is critical in building a best-in-class Quality and Safety Management System while fostering a culture where quality and safety are owned at every level. The role is responsible for maintaining all certification programs and overseeing all regulatory requirements related to plant and processes.

This is a high-impact role requiring a proactive, assertive leader who anticipates risks, drives root cause resolution, and holds the organization accountable to high standards.

The Vanguard manufacturing campus is a 14-acre site producing 40-50 million pounds of product annually with over 100 employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality and Safety Leadership & Plant Partnership

• Partner with Operations to align quality with safe practices and OSHA and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the plant floor
• Lead and develop QC Analysts/Technicians across shifts, and Safety and Regulatory Coordinator.
• Proactively identify risks and drive preventive solutions.

Quality and Safety Management Systems, Compliance & Certifications

• Build and scale a robust QMS (SOPs, CAPA, audits, document control)
• Build and scale a robust SMS (monthly audits, annual consultant audit, prevention and investigation)
• Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, OSHA, and customer requirements
• Own and maintain certification programs (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 22716, RSPO, Organic, customer audits)
• Lead all internal and external audits, including formal monthly safety inspection scores by building.

Laboratory & Analytical Quality Oversight

• Oversee and perform analytical testing (physical, chemical, and instrumental methods as needed)
• Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Maintain laboratory records, testing logs, and data integrity
• Ensure all lab and production testing equipment is calibrated and compliant

Product Quality & Process Safety & Process Control

• Establish and monitor key quality and safety metrics (defects, scrap, yield, complaints, incidents)
• Oversee in-process inspections and final product approval
• Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Partner with Operations to adjust processes based on analytical data

Incoming Materials & Supplier Quality

• Oversee sampling, testing, and acceptance/rejection of raw materials, chemicals, packaging components
• Partner with Supply Chain to improve supplier quality performance
• Audit suppliers and contract packagers as needed

Documentation, Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Own and oversee quality documentation including:
• Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
• Chain of Custody (CoC)
• MSDS / chemical documentation
• GMP and audit records
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness at all times

Customer Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as primary point of contact for customer quality issues
• Lead complaint investigations and corrective action plans
• Identify trends and implement systemic improvements

R&D & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with R&D on test production runs and process improvements
• Collect and analyze data to support product and process development

Culture, Training & Workforce Engagement

• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Train employees in quality procedures and standards
• Reinforce a culture of deep respect for employees and high standards

KEY CAPABILITIES

• Proactive, assertive, high-accountability leadership style
• Strong manufacturing and operational acumen
• Hands-on expertise in lab testing and analytical methods
• Deep knowledge of SMS and QMS, audits, and regulatory compliance
• Data-driven problem solver with practical execution mindset
• Ability to influence from plant floor to leadership team

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing (CPG or similar preferred), or internal development
• Proven success improving systems and performance
• Experience with audits, certifications, and regulatory compliance
• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Chemistry, or related field)
• CQE / Six Sigma preferred

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree required. Preferred majors: Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or Supply Chain & Operations Management