Quality & Testing Manager (Biotech)

People are the heart of our company, and our doors are open to everyone. As a customer, as an employee - we are committed to creating an inspiring culture that is welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all. Our strength in work and life comes from the combination of our experiences, backgrounds, and talents. It's what we do as people that makes Lands' End a great place to shop and a great place to work.

As the Manager, Quality & Testing, you'll oversee Quality in Distribution Centers, and Internal Testing Lab. You will lead the maintenance of quality control standards, developing and implementing quality improvement programs to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce the need for inbound quality checks. You will create analytical reports and dashboards to monitor quality metrics, driving corrective and preventive actions, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. In this role, you will mentor and train the quality management team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, you will partner with the following key teams to resolve quality-related issues: overseas QA team, Sourcing, Tech Design, DC Operations, and Customer Care.

Analytics and Analysis:

• Develop criteria and rating systems for Suppliers that can be utilized to incentivize (or penalize) suppliers based upon defects found.
• Develop Quality Mgmt. reports, as well as a Vendor Scorecard, that will be used by Sourcing and Tech Design to monitor and analyze quality metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement with Suppliers.
• Responsible for leading a cross functional team that will drive corrective and preventive actions based on defect analysis.
• Generate regular reports on quality performance and present findings to senior management.

 Quality Process:

• In partnership with the overseas Quality team, develop and implement quality improvement programs aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing the need for inbound quality checks.
• Responsible for mapping the current state in DC quality process and identifying areas of improvement.
• Responsible for ensuring that quality plans are created prior to product arriving in DC.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure vendor compliance with quality standards.

Compliance and Standards:

• In partnership with the overseas Quality team, utilizing the guidelines they have given, ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and certifications.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant quality standards and regulations.
• Manage internal communication and coordination related to product issues found or recalls.
• Ensure product safety and testing thru third-party testing labs to maintain an elevated level of quality assurance
• Advise on customer concerns/comments, Testing issues, Labeling errors or updates, Third Party and licensing product questions

Skills

• Strong analytical capabilities with Power BI experience
• Highly collaborative with ability to lead a cross functional team
• Knowledge of fabric, testing, construction, and manufacturing is a plus
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Good understanding of Testing Methodologies, experience in overseeing Testing lab is a plus
• Technical expert with excellent understanding in manufacturing operations is a plus
• Manages a team or functional area, ensuring operational goals are met.
• Set performance expectations and aligns team objectives with broader organizational priorities.
• Coaches team members and fosters a collaborative work environment.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Balances team performance, resource allocation, and stakeholder expectations.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Identify and address performance issues through coaching and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Serve as liaison between upper management and team, conveying organizational goals and expectations.
• Address conflicts or issues within the team promptly and effectively.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of department strategies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Lean Six Sigma and process modeling capabilities
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience, including leadership responsibilities.

This job description is intended to set forth the core functions required for this position and describe the general nature of the work performed by employees in this position.  It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.  Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary.  The Company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of the Company's business, competitive considerations or the work environment changes.  This document describes the position currently available and is not an employment contract.

The position covered by this Job Description is expressly declared to be “at will,” meaning the Company has the right to terminate the incumbent's employment at any time, with or without cause.  Any written or oral promises or representations to the contrary are expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any employee. Any change to this “at will” employment status must be in writing and signed by the EVP, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Quality Management