Who we are:
Founded in 2014, Open Farm is one of the fastest growing CPG companies in North America. We are transforming the way people feed their pets with a focus on producing premium, healthy food all ethically sourced from farm-to-bowl. We believe the best foods are made with consciously sourced, top-quality ingredients from farmers and fisheries who believe in doing good for all animals and the environment. We are headquartered in Toronto, Canada with team members based across North America.
In 2021, Open Farm raised >$80MM CAD in our latest round of funding, led by leading global growth equity firm General Atlantic, who joined Open Farm’s leadership team and existing minority partner, Encore Consumer Capital, on Open Farm’s long-term growth journey. With annual sales growth exceeding 60 per cent over the last three years, our products can be found in over 6,000 neighbourhood pet retailers across North America as well as online at OpenFarmPet.com. Our product line is recognized as a category-leader in product innovation, with a full suite of premium offerings ranging from kibble to fresh meals and supplements.
Throughout our growth journey, we have stayed true to our values, partnering with ethical sourcing partners Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership, and Ocean Wise Seafood to provide better quality ingredients to pets and ensure we are sourcing ingredients in a way that respects farm animals and the planet. The Vice President, Technical Services is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of food quality and safety across the company as well as Research & Development (R&D). This position requires a deep understanding of food science, regulatory requirements, and quality assurance practices, particularly in the context of processed meat products (beef, pork, turkey, chicken). The VP will lead a team dedicated to ensuring that all products meet or exceed industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations for safety, quality, and nutritional value. This role will also be responsible for ensuring that Open Farm’s rigorous standards around animal welfare and quality nutrition are embedded in everything we do.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance and food safety strategies across the supply chain, from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution.
- Lead and manage both the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA), and Research & Development (R&D) teams, setting clear objectives, and ensuring continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards, including USDA, FDA, and Open Farm’s certification requirements (i.e., Global Animal Partnership, Certified Humane, OceanWise, MSC/ASC).
- Work closely with Procurement and Co-Manufacturing teams to establish quality and safety criteria for raw materials and production.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of a robust Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and ensure all products are manufactured in a safe, hygienic environment.
- Lead crisis management efforts in response to any quality or safety issues, including recalls, and ensure transparent communication with consumers, regulators, and other key stakeholders (e.g., senior leadership team).
- Lead Open Farm’s R&D function that drives nutrition, better pet food formulation, process engineering, ingredient technology and innovation advances that improve how we feed our pets.
- Foster a culture of quality and safety throughout the organization, promoting continuous education, training, and awareness among employees.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Customer Service teams to communicate quality and safety standards and initiatives to customers and the public where relevant.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, innovations, and regulatory changes that impact food quality and safety, and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Serve on the Senior Leadership Team and contribute perspective to overall strategic direction for the organization.
- Bring a desire to roll up your sleeves and dig into the details to ensure all aspects of Open Farm’s FSQA strategy and protocol are best-in-class.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. A PhD considered a plus.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRC, SQF and Food safety / Quality Management programs.
- Deep experience in food quality and safety management, including in a leadership role, preferably in the meat processing and/or pet food industries.
- Extensive knowledge of food processing technologies, particularly related to meat.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful quality assurance and food safety programs.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Deep understanding of regulatory requirements and certifications related to meat safety and, ideally, pet food.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to lead and shape the future of food quality and safety in a fast-growing, mission-driven company, with annual sales growth of over 60% YOY.- Join a dynamic and supportive work environment with a team of dedicated, high–performing professionals.- Market-competitive compensation.-In addition to your PTO, we offer company wide wellness days and personal days to support your wellbeing-Volunteer days to give back to our community- Comprehensive healthcare coverage and Competitive 401k and RRSP plans with company match.- Great office culture (with lot's of adorable pets!) where your pet interrupting video calls or in-person meeting is a norm!- Discounted food for your furry family friends!
Our Values
We Raise the Bar | We Dream Big | We Open the Barn Doors | We Graze Lightly | We Are Customer Obsessed| We Are One TeamOpen Farm values diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants requiring a disability-related accommodation at any stage of Open Farm's recruitment process should contact karen@openfarmpet.com. As required by legislation, Open Farm will consult with applications requesting such an accommodation to ensure that Open Farm's recruitment process takes into account their accessibility needs. Apply for this job
