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THE ROLE

Quality Assurance Director, Apparel

The Quality Assurance Director is responsible for defining, leading, and overseeing the comprehensive Quality Assurance strategy and execution across apparel categories. This role ensures all apparel products consistently meet and exceed design intent, quality, safety, construction, and regulatory standards across all global markets. The Director partners closely with Executive Leadership, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Product Development to establish strategic quality goals, proactively mitigate risks, implement advanced testing protocols, and champion continuous quality improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

This position reports to the VP, Quality, and holds ultimate responsibility for protecting product integrity and brand reputation across global markets. The ideal candidate brings strategic leadership and deep technical expertise in apparel quality control, including fabric and textile performance, regulatory compliance), advanced inspection processes, and a proven track record of successfully establishing and managing large-scale, global quality programs.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and lead the overarching Quality Assurance and compliance strategy for the Apparel product lifecycle, from concept through production and customer feedback.
• Provide guidance and leadership to Merchandising, Sourcing, and Product Development teams to proactively identify, assess, and resolve complex quality and compliance concerns.
• Ensure all apparel products adhere to design intent, advanced craftsmanship standards, fabric/material specifications, and rigorous global regulatory compliance for domestic and international markets.
• Direct the application of advanced quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis) across new product development and manufacturing processes to identify and eliminate systemic quality risks.
• Establish and maintain high-level quality governance, including defining global Test Protocols, inspection standards, pass/fail criteria, and sampling methodologies specifically tailored for textile, knit, and woven fabric applications.
• Oversee the execution and auditing of testing and inspection plans across internal teams, manufacturing partners, and third-party laboratories to ensure consistent adherence to defined standards.
• Lead the development and maintenance of quality governance for product performance, durability, and fabric integrity testing.
• Stay ahead of evolving global regulations, certification standards, and industry best practices in textile and apparel manufacturing to ensure proactive compliance.
• Cultivate and manage strategic, high-level relationships with global suppliers, manufacturing partners, and external inspection agencies to drive a culture of collaborative quality ownership.
• Drive major defect reduction and continuous improvement initiatives, including setting company-wide quality KPIs and implementing robust supplier quality management programs.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Quality Assurance and Compliance professionals, fostering their growth and development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 3-5 years in a Director-level or equivalent senior leadership role within the Apparel industry.
• Proven experience in an online apparel retail environment, with broad exposure across diverse apparel product categories and assortments.
• Deep expertise in fabric and textile science, garment construction, pattern quality, and manufacturing processes for various apparel categories.
• Experience establishing, managing, and optimizing inspection and quality control processes at scale within a global manufacturing and supply chain environment.
• Proven expertise in developing, implementing, and enforcing product testing and quality inspection protocols using internationally recognized methods (e.g., AQL standards).
• Expert working knowledge of quality tools and advanced methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma).
• Strong strategic understanding and application of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles in a dynamic production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive substantial, measurable impact on key business metrics, including significant defect reduction and global supplier quality enhancement.
• Extensive experience leading, mentoring, and developing a team of quality professionals.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, structured executive communication, and proven cross-functional leadership skills across global teams.