Director of Quality Assurance

Job Description

The Director of Quality Assurance is responsible for designing, leading, and continuously elevating a comprehensive quality program that safeguards brand integrity and delivers an exceptional consumer experience. This role oversees quality assurance activities across product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution to ensure all products meet or exceed internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.

• Define and drive the long-term quality strategy in alignment with overall business and growth objectives.
• Establish clear quality policies, standards, and KPIs that are understood and adopted across the organization and partner network.
• Build, lead, and develop a geographically dispersed QA team, fostering accountability and ownership.
• Serve as the primary advisor to senior leadership on quality-related risks, trade-offs, and investments.

• Architect and maintain a robust, scalable QMS that supports consistent, repeatable quality performance.
• Standardize QA procedures and documentation for product development, fit and wear testing, inspections, and product release.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and industry standards across all product categories.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance digital tools, test methods, and platforms that support QA operations.

• Partner with Product Development, Design, and Production to define product specifications, tolerances, and performance criteria.
• Develop and manage a structured supplier quality program, including qualification, onboarding, audits, and performance scorecards.
• Oversee in-process and final inspections, testing protocols, and third-party lab validations to ensure products meet defined standards.
• Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis for systemic issues, nonconformances, and consumer-facing defects.

• Define and monitor core quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, returns, compliance findings, on‑time approvals).
• Leverage data analytics to identify trends, prioritize risks, and target the highest-impact improvement initiatives.
• Champion cross‑functional projects that reduce defects, improve reliability, and lower quality-related costs.
• Create strong feedback loops with Customer Service, Sales, and key retail partners to anticipate and address quality concerns.

• Embed quality considerations at each stage of the product lifecycle, from concept through commercialization.
• Participate in key milestone meetings (e.g., line reviews, pre‑production, and production readiness) as the QA authority.
• Support new product, material, and category launches with risk assessments, qualification plans, and test strategies.
• Act as a key contact for quality-related inquiries from customers, regulatory bodies, and external partners.

• Develop and deliver quality and compliance training for internal teams, agents, factories, and other partners.
• Promote a culture of “quality built in,” emphasizing prevention over inspection and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging regulations, standards, and best practices; recommend and implement relevant enhancements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Textiles, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma, Lean) preferred.
• Substantial progressive experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Management within apparel, consumer products, or related manufacturing environments.
• Proven success managing multi‑site or global QA operations and supplier quality programs.
• Deep knowledge of quality systems, testing methodologies, audit processes, and regulatory/safety requirements relevant to consumer products.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to interpret complex data, identify root causes, and drive data-based decisions.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions and cultures.
• Track record of leading continuous improvement, transformation, or change management initiatives in a fast‑paced environment.

• Opportunity to build and shape the quality infrastructure for a dynamic portfolio of products and brands.
• High visibility role with extensive cross‑functional interaction and strategic impact.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

• Seniority level:
  Director
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Quality Assurance
• Industries:
  Staffing and Recruiting