Quality Assurance Manager, Apparel – Kids/Baby/Toddler
Que
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: United States
Visit company websiteExplore more
About the role
- Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Product Development teams to proactively identify and address potential quality concerns during product development and production.
- Ensure products meet design intent, craftsmanship standards, material specifications, and regulatory compliance across footwear, bags and accessories categories for both domestic and international markets.
- Conduct and support Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for new product development initiatives to identify potential quality risks early in the development cycle.
- Develop and implement product testing protocols and inspection plans to mitigate potential quality or defect issues, including defining test methods, pass/fail criteria, and sampling methodologies.
- Execute and oversee testing and inspection plans across internal teams and third-party partners to ensure adherence to approved standards.
- Establish and maintain quality governance for product durability testing.
- Maintain governance of Test Protocols and Inspection Plans, ensuring all internal teams and third-party partners follow approved documentation and processes.
- Stay current on applicable regulations, certification standards, and industry best practices to ensure compliance.
- Build strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external inspection partners to ensure quality standards are consistently applied.
- Lead defect reduction and continuous improvement initiatives across suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Collaborate with and develop a team of professionals supporting quality and compliance programs.
Requirements
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in Quality Assurance within kids, baby and toddler apparel industry
- Proven experience in an online apparel retail environment, with broad exposure across diverse apparel product categories and assortments.
- Experience working with major retailers (including ecommerce brands), luxury brands and scale brands.
- Experience establishing and managing inspection and quality control processes at scale, including return inspection and defect analysis.
- Experience developing and implementing product testing protocols and inspection plans using industry-accepted methods.
- Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Statistical Process Control).
- Quality management experience within manufacturing and production environments.
- Strong understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles.
- Proven ability to drive measurable impact, including defect reduction and supplier quality improvements.
- Experience leading and developing quality team members.
- Strong strategic thinking, structured communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Flexible working hours
- Professional development opportunities
- Equal employment opportunities
- Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
Quality AssuranceFMEARoot Cause AnalysisStatistical Process ControlTotal Quality ManagementProduct Testing ProtocolsInspection PlansDefect AnalysisQuality Control ProcessesProduct Development
Soft Skills
Strategic ThinkingStructured CommunicationCross-Functional CollaborationTeam LeadershipRelationship BuildingContinuous ImprovementProblem SolvingProactive IdentificationQuality GovernanceMeasurable Impact