Quality Compliance & Audit Specialist

The W.F. Young team is seeking a Quality Compliance & Audit Specialist who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with quality standards across the company’s animal care products in a virtual manufacturing environment, with a focus on auditing contract manufacturers to meet company quality and regulatory requirements. **This role is based in East Longmeadow MA**

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Manufacturer Auditing & Compliance

• Conduct regular & comprehensive audits of contract manufacturing facilities to ensure adherence to quality, regulatory, and company standards.
• Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers to foster transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Document audit findings, implement corrective actions, and provide quality guidance to ensure compliance and best practices.

Quality Control & Assurance

• Develop, implement, and audit SOPs, validation systems, and quality procedures for consistent product compliance.
• Oversee product stability studies, monitor contract manufacturers’ adherence to specifications, and ensure consistent quality in formulations and packaging.
• Approve changes in raw materials, suppliers, and product specifications to align with sourcing and quality assurance strategies.
• Ensure quality procedures, manufacturing instructions, and resource documentation comply with FSMA, HACCP, and NASC standards.

Innovation & Stage-Gate Process Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quality standards throughout new product development, providing input during ideation, scoping, and business case stages.
• Collaborate with the innovation team to develop testing protocols and validation criteria for new product formulations.
• Review technical feasibility assessments, product specifications, and testing protocols to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Oversee quality testing and validation activities for prototypes and new product launches, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Monitor the implementation of corrective actions during the testing/validation phase and provide input for gate review decision-making.

Technical Assessment & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Investigate and resolve product quality issues, conduct competitive analysis, and ensure regulatory compliance with advertising claims.
• Work with Supply Chain, Regulatory, Marketing, and Customer Service teams to support procurement, documentation, and technical inquiries.

External Relations

• Represent the company in industry and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance with manufacturing regulations.
• Collaborate with government and research organizations to stay informed on evolving industry standards.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in the science or engineering field with a minimum of 3 years’ quality experience in the animal health or related industry required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in quality assurance, with a focus on auditing contract manufacturing facilities (animal care/health industry preferred).
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, AAFCO, NASC, FSMA, and quality management systems in a contract manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate product development, including ideation, scoping, and product validation in regulated industries.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate quality standards into the product innovation process, balancing creativity with compliance.
• Proficient in document and change control systems and food safety standards.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience in formulation chemistry and troubleshooting for animal care products.
• Expertise in auditing, quality control, and virtual manufacturing with a collaborative, cross-functional approach.
• Strong cross-functional coordination skills, particularly in quality assurance, project management, sourcing, and innovation.
• Ability to travel regularly to contract manufacturing sites.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with Wellness Reward Program & Reimbursement Programs
• Educational Assistance Program & Professional Development Assistance Program
• Supplemental Bonus Program
• Company Paid STD/LTD
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long Term Care Insurance
• 401(k) – with company match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off Programs

Come join an organization whose leaders embrace a caring culture, values their employees, and works as a collaborative team as we continue to grow and drive new business heading into our 134th year!