Product Quality and Compliance Manager

THE PRODUCT QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER WILL….

Be responsible for quality assurance, quality control, corporate social responsibility, and global regulatory compliance. They will manage Quality and Compliance standards for bulk materials and finished garments, including performance testing requirements and processes. They will develop and drive cost-effective initiatives to maintain and enhance SAXX standards at the material supplier and factory level and will be responsible for the remediation of product quality issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: 

Collaborate with Materials and Sourcing leads to create company standards based on industry best practices and global regulations for material and finished goods quality control, consumer safety requirements, regulatory compliance, and labeling. Own the implementation and rollout of standards and requirements to SAXX suppliers and factories.

• Work directly with Sourcing, Product Management, Material Development, factories, and suppliers to ensure SAXX requirements are understood and implemented properly throughout the supply chain.
• Engage and manage 3rd Party labs and inspection services to monitor material and product quality, safety compliance, and in-line production quality control.
• Monitor ever-changing domestic and international regulations and manage the development and implementation of quality process changes to meet regulatory requirements and SAXX standards.
• Update cross-functional teams on supply partner non-compliance to SAXX standards, proactively provide solutions, and promptly escalate issues to senior management as required.

Develop, implement, and maintain day-to-day operations for the SAXX Quality Assurance Program.

• Receive, review, track, and maintain records of all product quality inspections.
• Partner with product manufacturing suppliers to improve overall quality performance, decrease product defect rates, and implement Corrective and Preventative Action plans. 
• Own the SAXX Quality Claims Process. Collaborate with Sourcing, Suppliers, and Cross-functional teams for quick resolution of quality issues and mitigation of loss.  Track, document, and manage to resolution. Own supplier communication and quality related chargeback claims. 
• Manage and remediate bulk materials quality issues with assistance from the Materials Team.   
• Analyze SAXX customer reviews and Customer Service return data related to material, product quality, and fit. Identify potential quality risks, assess scope, and determine corrective action. Partner with SAXX Design and Product Development teams to engineer solutions that address quality issues and prevent recurrence. 
• Liaise with the Customer Service team to ensure the accuracy of customer exchange and returns data. Collaborate with the Ecomm team to ensure the customer review program is informative and actionable.
• Manage the bulk material testing process, with support from the Materials Team, to ensure materials meet our performance and chemical compliance (RSL) standards. Utilize our Product Data Management system (PLM) to maximize information availability and optimize the export of all materials data needed to build seasonal test plan.
• Seasonally report on quality performance trends for new styles to the Product Creation Team. Address quality concerns and provide direction to mitigate.  
• Collaborate with the Product Creation Team to conduct technical quality material and product assessments, including future material and trim developments, and early TOP samples.
• Highlight potential quality concerns to be closely monitored in bulk.
• Assist the Materials Team in completing annual SAXX Sales CSR Compliance documents for retail accounts.

Supplier Onboarding & Compliance.

• Own the SAXX Code of Conduct and supplier compliance program. Track social responsibility audits and certification and report seasonally.
• Maintain the SAXX product quality modules in the SAXX Vendor Manual.
• Ensure new product suppliers are thoroughly onboarded, have completed necessary documentation, and cleared to do business with SAXX.  
• Partner with the Product Creation Team to complete vendor scorecards on a seasonal basis, providing Sourcing with a foundation for strategic program placement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• College or University degree in Apparel/Textiles or relevant field preferred.
• 8 years of relevant experience in Apparel and material Quality, testing, and manufacturing; additional 2 years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience implementing and leading new process.
• Understanding of garment construction, production processes, materials, test methods, standards, and product compliance regulations.
• In-depth working knowledge of garment and textile manufacturing processes, factory evaluation techniques and vendor compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of environmental standards and compliance requirements for garment factories and material manufacturers.
• Previous experience with onsite overseas factory visits.
• Proficiency in process implementation and demonstrated knowledge of quality metrics and test methods.
• Strategic thinking and enterprise mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, project management, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to problem-solve and resolve issues; curiosity and information seeking skills. 
• Ability to develop strong relationships with cross-functional team members and external partners, and to communicate clearly across time zones and cultures.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 3 times per year.
• Proficiency and working knowledge of Apparel and Materials Product Data Management (PDM/PLM) systems and tools a plus.
• Proficiency using standard office software tools (e.g. Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Don’t meet every single requirement?  Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification.  At SAXX we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace community, so if you’re excited about this role, but your past doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US

• We offer equitable salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage to support your wellbeing.
• Get additional health care support through a virtual health care platform and an Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Participate in a profit-sharing retirement savings program.
• 3 weeks paid vacation.
• Hybrid working environment.
• 4 paid days off are dedicated for you to volunteer in your community and to support causes that matter to you most.
• Have your birthday off to celebrate in style.
• Free products? Yes, please! Every SAXX employee receives an annual $600 credit to treat themselves and the people in their life to our premium products.
• Hang out with the cute and cuddly dogs in our office (Woof!)
• Stay fueled with healthy snacks, coffee, and tea.
• Be part of a team of incredibly talented, passionate, and empowered people focused on building and innovating.
• Make an impact with your work—each person has an equal opportunity to contribute to our goals.
• Join one of the fastest-growing companies and find opportunities to grow in your own career—offering advancement opportunities for our team members is important to us!

TO APPLY…

Please forward your resume and quote Product Quality and Compliance Manager in the subject line. No phone calls please. We appreciate your interest in the role, however; only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview. Thank you for your interest in a career with SAXX.

Please keep tabs on your junk/spam folders. Our emails may end up there and we want to make sure we have the opportunity to connect with you!