Senior Manager - Quality Assurance

About the Role

This position oversees the entire Quality Assurance (QA) department at Barco Uniforms Inc., managing personnel, fabric inspections, lab testing, production audits, problem-solving, overseas support, and QC scheduling. Coordination with the QA Director for overseas travel is required. The role involves supporting the Barco Quality System (BQS) by ensuring requirements are met and recommending improvements. Accurate records must be maintained for fabric inspections, color lot shade approvals, inline and final audit reports for both domestic and international production. The manager assists with inspection decisions for all purchase orders and styles processed at Barco’s Gardena distribution center from local and overseas sources. Planning and prioritization of workloads are based on pre-alerts from Production, Shipping, and Receiving. Coordination with Customer Service and Sales is critical for addressing quality concerns and keeping leadership informed. Collaboration with the QA New Product Development Launch (NPDL) lead ensures the inspection team is aligned with changes in tech packs and style revisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise QA staff including temporary workers at the distribution center ensuring task management, accurate recordkeeping, and performance reporting.
• Follow Barco QA protocols for overseas factories and local vendors to guarantee compliance with quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong QC relationships with factories to ensure products meet shipment standards.
• Stay updated with NPDL for approved samples and new materials to prepare inspection teams accordingly.
• Manage inline and final audit documentation and communication with overseas QC teams.
• Investigate quality issues, determine root causes, propose corrective actions, and coordinate follow-ups with stakeholders.
• Enforce compliance with standard operating procedures and technical specifications by local contractors.
• Oversee issuance of rejection notices and vendor chargebacks following the chargeback process.
• Coach and evaluate QC personnel to sustain team productivity and product quality.
• Communicate escalations of QA issues to senior leadership while adhering to established communication protocols.
• Administer processes for 3rd party fabric and garment testing and oversee overseas QC staff strategies.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A college degree or equivalent experience in textiles, pattern making, apparel manufacturing, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in pattern or garment engineering is mandatory; textile development experience is required, and factory experience is preferred.
• Full professional proficiency in English; additional languages such as Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese are advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact across various teams and levels.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); familiarity with Full Circle and Inspectorio is preferable.

Supervisory Duties

• Manage one warehouse QA lead, multiple QA receiving inspectors, and in-country QC personnel with regular oversight and support.
• Responsible for hiring, training, task delegation, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution following company policies and legal standards.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The role involves exposure to mechanical equipment, occasional extreme temperatures, and moderate noise levels. Work hours often exceed eight hours daily, especially during peak periods, with potential for evening or weekend meetings. Domestic travel may be required on short notice. Physical demands include sitting, handling, talking, hearing regularly and occasional standing, walking, reaching. Visual acuity for sample analysis and color assessment is essential. Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary ranges from $110,000 to $135,000 annually, based on experience and skills. Benefits include competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with employer match, wellness programs, paid vacation, floating holidays, sick leave, life insurance, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance, recognition programs, and various flexible spending and insurance plans.