Quality Assurance Manager

JOB SUMMARY The Quality Assurance Manager leads the quality function for PPE apparel operations, ensuring products consistently meet internal quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory/safety certifications (e.g., ANSI/ISEA, NFPA, ASTM, CE). This role owns the quality management system, leads a team of quality specialists/inspectors, drives root-cause and continuous improvement efforts, and serves as the primary point of accountability for product quality across manufacturing and warehouse operations. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned. Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. Lead, coach, and develop a team of Quality Assurance Specialists/Inspectors across warehouse/distribution functions. Set team priorities, workload, and schedules to ensure adequate quality coverage across shifts and production lines Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and build bench strength within the quality team Manage the incoming inspection process for all received goods, ensuring timely and accurate quality checks Own the root cause analysis and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) process for internal defects and customer-reported quality issues Analyze quality data and defect trends to identify systemic issues; lead cross-functional problem-solving with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain Partner with Product Development/Engineering on new product introduction (NPI) to ensure manufacturability and quality standards are built in from design Manage supplier quality performance, including audits, scorecards, and corrective action requests (SCARs) for raw material and component suppliers Develop, document, and continuously improve inspection protocols, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria Ensure ongoing compliance with PPE-specific safety and performance standards relevant to product lines (ANSI/ISEA cut/puncture resistance, NFPA 70E/2112 arc-flash, ASTM test methods, CE marking requirements, etc.) Analyze and report incoming inspection results to leadership, identifying trends and recurring issues Provide structured, data-backed feedback to suppliers on quality issues and drive corrective action Maintain inspection records and documentation in compliance with company and (if applicable) industry/regulatory standards Collaborate with procurement, receiving, and operations teams to prioritize, resolve quality holds and minimize disruption Serve as primary contact for third-party certification bodies, regulatory audits, and customer quality audit Maintain product traceability, labeling compliance, and documentation required for PPE certification claims Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S) to reduce defects, scrap, and rework, and improve first-pass yield Set and track quality KPIs (defect rates, customer returns/complaints, cost of quality, audit scores) and report performance to leadership Lead root-cause investigations for significant quality escapes, including customer complaints or recalls if applicable Track key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, supplier scorecards, inspection turnaround time) and use them to drive process improvements Collaborate with Asia sourcing and QA teams MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location. EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Textiles, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience) EXPERIENCE | PREFERRED SKILLS 5+ years of progressive quality assurance exper…

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