Quality Assurance & Compliance Director

The Director of QA & Compliance leads and manages the global end-to-end quality assurance, product integrity, and regulatory compliance programs across all product lines at Duluth Trading Company. This role ensures that every Duluth product meets the company’s quality promise on our high-quality and ingenious gear, which is to last with unmatched durability, and complies with US state and federal regulations.

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer.

• →Develop and implement Quality assurance and compliance strategies aligned with company objectives and customer expectations
• →Lead and manage quality assurance systems and Inspection protocols
• →Ensure consistent adherence to standards and specifications throughout the manufacturing process
• →Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and optimize production processes
• →Ensure Total Quality management is established and maintained across all suppliers, utilizing inspection processes and conducting Technical Factory Evaluations
• →Partner with Tech Design and Raw Material leaders to ensure that Product testing protocols meet customers’ expectations on the durable quality products
• →Work with the 3rd party labs & providers to utilize their service for inspections, when needed
• →Build and strengthen supplier relationships to ensure products and manufacturing processes meet safety, quality and environmental standards
• →Develop and lead a team of QA professionals. Provide training and guidance to ensure teams are equipped with skills and knowledge to uphold high quality standards and achieve departmental goals
• →Define and own the factory certification program
• →Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, technical design, sourcing and logistics
• →Analyze quality data to identify trends, root causes and identify areas of improvement and enforce CAP with suppliers
• →Evaluate and enhance Supplier QA Scorecard and KPI 
• →Evaluate and implement the compliance programs to ensure  all US federal, state, and international trade compliance mandates
• →Manage the Product Safety protocol
• →Enforce factory social compliance, human rights, and environmental audit programs 
• →Lead and Manage the FC audit teams in ADV and BVL for inbound shipment audits
• →Manage the quality & labor chargeback for any quality failures with suppliers
• →Execute any local re-work projects, when needed

• Bachelor's Degree in Apparel/ Textile- Product Development, Quality Management or Engineering - Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 10+ Years of experience
• 5+ Years of management experience
• 10+ years of experience in US retail QA and compliance leadership with multi-category experience across apparel, hardgoods and gears
• 3+ Year of Experience in managing Fulfillment QA team in US is preferred
• Proven track record of implementing and managing QA programs in a global manufacturing environment
• Strong Knowledge of global sourcing, manufacturing and TQM
• Deep technical knowledge of product construction, materials, garment washing, applications and manufacturing processes for all apparel and accessories categories
• Strong working knowledge of CPSC, CPSIA, Prop 65, FTC rules, and global social compliance frameworks
• High integrity and ethical standards
• Strong leadership and communication skills. Fluent in English
• Six Sigma / Lean (Green or Black Belt), ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) preferred
• Highly organized and detail oriented, with a keen sense of urgency
• Highly motivated and able to collaborate with cross functional teams
• Proficient in Google applications and experience with PLM software
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship

• Inspiring Trust
• Adaptability
• Mature Confidence
• Career and Self Development

• Driving Execution
• Building Organizational Relationships
• Empowering Others
• Fostering Open Dialogue
• Attracting & Developing Talent
• Leadership Versatility

• Travel is required for up to 25%: International and Domestic 
• Sitting is required for 80% of working hours
• Standing is required for 20% of working hours.
• Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)
• Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending.
• Noise level no greater than casual conversation.
• Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting
• Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees