Vice President, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs

WHO ARE WE?

We are the VMS Co-Op, a group of fast growing companies in the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) space. The VMS Co-Op includes OLLY, SmartyPants. This position's home company is OLLY.​

THE ROLE: VP QA/RA

The Vice President of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs (VP QA/RA) is a key member of the VMS Co-Op leadership team, entrusted with providing direction and oversight for all quality assurance and regulatory affairs functions while monitoring the legal and regulatory landscapes to provide insights on existing, new, and emerging regulations. This executive will serve as the company's expert on dietary supplement regulations, ensuring all products meet or exceed internal standards and regulatory compliance. Reporting directly to the CEO, the VP QA/RA will lead the QA/RA department, providing strategic direction, coaching, and mentorship to team members, and partnering with cross-functional leaders to drive business growth while fostering a culture of quality. The role is pivotal in safeguarding the brands, enabling speed to market, and maintaining competitive product claims within regulated industry segments. This position requires exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to influence at all levels within the company and with external partners. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Serve as a member of the leadership team, providing direction, advice, and insights into quality and regulatory compliance in all leadership forums. 

• Lead and implement QA/RA strategies, policies, and objectives in alignment with company plans while driving growth ambition. 

• Develop and implement quality management systems in accordance with FDA guidelines, Unilever standards and industry’s best practices 

• Lead RA activities to ensure regulatory compliance for existing products and new launches, which include ingredient review, label and supplement facts panel review, claims substantiation, product certification, and marketing asset review. 

• Partner with Product, Supply chain, and other functions to ensure timely regulatory deliveries and end-to-end compliance. 

• Build and manage a high performing QA and RA teams, and scale resources and capabilities to meet business demand.  

• Represent the organization during audits, inspections, and regulatory meetings, providing leadership and expertise 

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support innovation, supplier management, risk assessment, and product disposition, ensuring regulatory compliance throughout. 

• Represent the organization during audits, inspections, and regulatory meetings, providing leadership and expertise. 

• Participate in external policy and advocacy to create, grow, and protect the business. 

• Develop and maintain a supplier qualification and monitoring program supported by comprehensive quality agreements. 

• Ensure we distribute compliant products that deliver on our brand promise and meet consumer expectations 

• Stays current on FDA and Industry compliance standards, legislation, and trends, and recommends actions to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness 

• Rely on data and metrics to drive continuous improvements  

CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED  

• 15 - 20+ years of quality leadership experience in an FDA regulated industry (Dietary Supplement experience is required) 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, or related science field. Advanced degree strongly preferred 

• Extensive working knowledge of GMPs under 21 CFR Part 101, 110, 111, and 117 (Dietary Supplement regulatory experience is required) 

• Prior experience in managing gummy qualifications and quality operations in a production setting is required  

• Prior experience in supporting RA review activities related to ingredients, claims, and certifications    

• Hands-on experience in hosting and managing regulatory audits and follow-ups 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence a culture of Quality 

• Ability to lead and motivate high-performing teams, delegate tasks effectively, and foster collaboration 

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with th