The Role
Lead QA/QC for color cosmetics and skincare by developing and maintaining a Quality Management System, SOPs, and CAPA processes. Oversee testing of bulk and finished goods, manage third-party labs, conduct supplier and CM audits for GMP and regulatory compliance, investigate quality issues and complaints, support regulatory documentation (SDS, PIF), and train cross-functional teams. Requires travel for audits and AQL inspections.
Summary Generated by Built In
Location: In-Office 5 days/week in Playa Vista, CA HQ
Who We Are:
Thrive Causemetics is Bigger Than Beauty™: We are an independent, female-owned beauty brand that creates high-performance vegan cosmetics and supports a community of giving. All of Thrive Causemetics' products are free of parabens and sulfates, in addition to being 100 percent cruelty-free. Through its Bigger Than Beauty™ program, every product purchased results in a donation to help communities thrive.
Thrive Causemetics is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and cross-functional workplace where everyone’s voice matters. We are committed to being pioneers in creating a culture of wellness. Together, we prioritize a strong work ethic while maintaining a positive, exciting environment where people are passionate about what they do.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking an experienced QA/QC Manager to lead quality assurance and quality control efforts across our color cosmetics and skincare product lines. This critical role will oversee all aspects of product quality, ensuring that our formulations, packaging, and finished goods meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. As the QA/QC Manager, you will work closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and external testing partners and warehouses to uphold our brand’s reputation for exceptional quality. This role will require occasional travel to physically audit inventory and visit CMs to inspect product quality.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Develop, implement, and maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) tailored to the needs of a DTC beauty brand.
- Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for product development, manufacturing, and testing processes.
- Conduct audits of contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure adherence to quality standards, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams to integrate quality protocols early in the product lifecycle.
- Oversee the testing of bulk formulations, and finished products to ensure consistency, safety, and efficacy.
- Manage third-party labs and testing facilities for microbiological, stability, and compatibility testing.
- Create and implement incoming inspection protocols for packaging, raw materials, and finished goods.
- Investigate and resolve quality issues, including product non-conformance, consumer complaints, and manufacturing deviations.
- Stay current with global cosmetic regulations (FDA, EU, etc.) and ensure all products meet applicable standards for safety and labeling.
- Support documentation and regulatory submissions, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Product Information Files (PIF).
- Train and mentor cross-functional teams on quality standards and best practices.
- Lead root cause analyses and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed to CMs to physically audit line trials and facilities.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally when needed warehouses to conduct an AQL (acceptance quality limits) on incoming product shipments.
Quality Assurance:
Quality Control:
Regulatory Compliance:
Team Leadership:
Travel
What Will Make You Stand Out:
- 5+ years of QA/QC experience in the beauty or personal care industry, specifically with color cosmetics and skincare or similar consumer products.
- Strong understanding and ability to analyze cosmetic products, manufacturing processes, and documentation.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with QMS software and familiarity with cosmetic testing methods (e.g., microbiological, stability, compatibility).
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
Thrive Causemetics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship for an immigration-related work benefit. Thrive Causemetics does not hire H-1B, F-1 CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT candidates for this role.
The base pay range for this role is $90,000 - $130,000 with the following factors determining the base pay at offer: skills, qualifications, experience. This range provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. Additionally, this role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance. Thrive Causemetics provides a competitive benefits package, including but not limited to: comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks, life insurance, disability insurance, and employee assistance programs.
Skills Required
- 5+ years QA/QC experience in beauty or personal care, specifically color cosmetics and skincare
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related field
- Proficiency with QMS software
- Familiarity with cosmetic testing methods (microbiological, stability, compatibility)
- Experience conducting audits of contract manufacturers and suppliers and ensuring GMP compliance
- Experience managing third-party labs and testing facilities
- Experience developing and maintaining QMS, writing SOPs, performing root cause analysis and CAPA
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally for audits, line trials, and AQL inspections
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship
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The Company
What We Do
We’re Changing the Beauty Industry for Good. Thrive Causemetics was born out of a friendship. Makeup artist and product developer, Karissa Bodnar, lost her dear friend Kristy to cancer at just 24 years old. Kristy’s compassionate and vivacious spirit inspired Karissa to establish Thrive Causemetics, a beauty brand and philosophy that goes beyond skin deep by empowering women. Thrive Causemetics is Bigger Than Beauty™️: For every product you purchase, we donate to help a woman thrive. We believe changing the world starts with a single ingredient, and that’s why we create vegan, 100% cruelty-free formulas containing proven ingredients without the use of parabens or sulfates. All of our high-performance cosmetics are developed at Thrive Causemetics Lab—we control every step of the product development process, and a large part of it involves you.
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