Director of Quality Assurance at Columbia Sportswear Company

Portland, Oregon, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Sportswear, ApparelIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Consumer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of experience in quality assurance within the consumer goods industry
Proven track record of improving consumer satisfaction through quality initiatives
Strong understanding of consumer behavior, product testing, and regulatory compliance
Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills
Experience with PLM, ERP, and quality management systems
Preferred: Experience with VOC (Voice of the Customer) programs and Net Promoter Score (NPS) strategies
Preferred: Background in human-centered design or consumer research
Preferred: Certifications such as Six Sigma, ISO 9001, or ASQ CQE

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a quality assurance strategy that aligns with brand values and enhances consumer experience across Brands and Sales Regions
Integrate consumer feedback, reviews, and return data into quality improvement initiatives
Champion a culture of quality that prioritizes consumer delight and loyalty
Oversee quality control processes across the product lifecycle—from design and development to manufacturing and post-launch
Define and enforce product performance standards that reflect real-world usage and consumer expectations
Partner with advanced innovation, product creation, and sourcing teams to ensure quality is built into product design and sourcing strategies
Work closely with marketing, customer service, and product creation to understand consumer sentiment and ensure quality standards reflect consumer needs
Lead cross-functional quality reviews and post-launch assessments to drive continuous improvement
Facilitate rapid responses to quality issues and develop solutions that minimize lost sales and drive financial accountability for incurred losses
Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor product quality, consumer satisfaction, and defect trends
Analyze consumer complaints, warranty claims, and social sentiment to identify systemic issues and opportunities in consumer right standards, product creation, and manufacturing
Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory standards for the markets operated in
Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies for new product launches and market expansions
Build and mentor a high-performing QA team focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer empathy
Foster a proactive, solution-oriented mindset across the organization

Skills

Quality Assurance

Quality Control

Consumer Insights

Product Lifecycle Management

Manufacturing Oversight

Sourcing Strategies

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Data-Driven Analysis

Columbia Sportswear Company

Designs and sells outdoor apparel and gear

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company designs and sells a variety of outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, and accessories like hats and backpacks. Their products are aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and active individuals of all ages. Columbia's products are known for their quality and durability, setting them apart from competitors in the outdoor apparel market. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model, selling via their website, retail stores, and partnerships with other retailers, which helps them reach a wide audience. Their goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that enhances the experience of those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Portland, OregonHeadquarters

1938Year Founded

$40KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Wellness Program

Employee Discounts

Mental Health Support

Risks

The new Cherry Hill Mall store may face challenges in a competitive retail environment.

The Vader Collection may not resonate with Columbia's core customer base.

Strategic shifts by new marketing leadership could impact brand loyalty.

Differentiation

Columbia Sportswear offers innovative outdoor apparel with a strong brand reputation.

The company employs a multi-channel sales strategy for broad market reach.

Columbia's collaborations, like the Star Wars collection, attract niche markets.

Upsides

The rise of outdoor activities post-pandemic boosts demand for Columbia's products.

Collaborations with franchises like Star Wars enhance brand visibility and appeal.

Direct-to-consumer sales and social media marketing reach younger demographics effectively.

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