This job contributes to REI's success by ensuring appointed vendors consistently meet REI's quality standards through proactive leadership in quality performance, manufacturing excellence, and production innovation. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives with vendors to enhance product reliability and operational efficiency. It leads teams of CFA to verify that all merchandise shipped to REI complies with established quality expectations and specifications. This position collaborates cross-functionally to resolve quality issues swiftly and prevent recurrence, safeguarding REI's brand integrity.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure product quality across all stages of the lifecycle, including development, production, and shipment.
- Conduct pre-production processes, in-line, and pre-shipment audits at vendor factories, making independent decisions on product acceptance or rejection.
- Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports and sample review documentation.
- Develop, manage and train CFA teams (Certified Factory Auditors) to ensure all merchandise shipped to REI meets quality expectations and complies with specifications.
- Lead bulk product testing to ensure all merchandise shipped to REI meets testing requirements.
Product Redevelopment
- Lead product redevelopment to support REI sourcing strategies, by moving manufacturing sources of merchandise, without sacrificing quality and integrity.
Technical Expertise & Continuous Improvement
- Participate in sample review processes to validate specifications and support accurate product development.
- Investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions with vendors.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of REI's quality control standards and processes.
Vendor Management & Training
- Act as REI's primary quality representative to vendors, ensuring alignment with REI's guiding values and mission.
- Deliver ongoing training for vendors and factories on REI quality standards, tools, and best practices.
- Maintain quality control tools for vendor communication and performance assessment.
Collaboration & Planning
- Work closely with technical managers and vendors to plan and schedule audits that minimize delays and ensure compliance.
- Communicate audit findings and improvement recommendations effectively to vendors and internal stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in textile and product manufacturing for the U.S. outdoor market, including apparel, tents, packs, sleeping bags, luggage, and other outdoor products.
- At least 3 years of experience collaborating with U.S. or European companies.
- Strong technical background with in-depth knowledge of textile and outdoor product manufacturing (e.g., technical apparel, tents, sleeping bags, air pads, backpacks, and furniture).
- Comprehensive understanding of materials, construction methods, and quality requirements for outdoor products.
- Proven experience working with vendors in Asia, applying manufacturing best practices and driving performance to meet expectations.
- Expertise in industry-standard cut-and-sew manufacturing processes, quality assurance procedures, and compliance regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively for business purposes.
