Quality Control Manager

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

Madhappy is a Los Angeles-based clothing brand made for a community of optimists, born in 2017. Madhappy uses apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces – including its permanent flagship in West Hollywood – to explore a personal expression as a means to an improved state of mind. Its own seasonal stores – with past and present locations including New York City (Soho), Aspen, Miami, East Hampton, and Tokyo – are each designed to reflect their site, while still sharing the brand’s DNA. The brand currently produces a selection of ever-evolving, evergreen classic styles, seasonally available collections and collaborations. Madhappy supports research and awareness in mental health through The Madhappy Foundation (a 501c(3) non-profit) and writes Local Optimist, a print magazine. Each to celebrate us as works-in-progress, and the personal and collective expression that is a part of that.

About the job

We are seeking a skilled Quality Control Manager to oversee and elevate our QC processes across our LA-based production.

In this position, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality in our domestic apparel production. This role will oversee in-house QC operations, manage external contractors and factories, and implement quality assurance processes to maintain consistency across all product categories. The ideal candidate has a strong background in garment construction, garment dye and shrinkage, printing and embroidery techniques, and technical expertise in quality control, and experience working with LA-based production partners.

You must be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

●      Develop and implement quality control procedures for all stages of production, from raw materials to finished garments.

●      Conduct in-line and final inspections at LA-based factories and vendors to ensure adherence to brand standards. Issue Finished Goods Quality Control Inspection reports with size run specs within tolerance checks.

●      Work closely with design, production, and technical teams to troubleshoot and resolve quality issues.

●      Establish and maintain quality standards through fabric, trim, and garment testing.

●      Ensure factories internal QC teams are adhering to Madhappy required quality standards by random checking of quality both at in line and final stages.

●      Review and Approve Repairs/Damages and work with contractors to ensure 100% quality ships to customers.

●      Train factory partners on quality expectations and best practice including managing TOP approvals and finishing.

●      Track Production in real time and keep the Production team informed. Proactive problem solving to ensure production ships on time.

●      Collaborate with vendors to drive improvements in workmanship, consistency, and efficiency.

●      Monitor and track WIP, quality performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

●      Ensure compliance with company and regulatory quality requirements.

●      Manage Raw Material Trim Inventory at Factory and Issue Trim pulls for domestic contractors.

●      Issue Purchase Orders to contractors as needed and track Delivery Receipts.

About you

Qualifications

●      10+ years of experience in quality control and assurance within the apparel industry in domestic production.

●      Strong knowledge of garment construction, sewing techniques, fabric performance, garment dye, send outs, screen prints, embroideries.

●      Experience working with local LA-based factories, contractors, screen printers, embroidery and wash houses.

●      Ability to assess quality issues quickly and effectively implement solutions.

●      Troubleshooting any quality issues in sewing that arise.

●      Strong partnership with Technical and Production team and making recommendations that are suitable for best in class production.

●      Excellent organizational and communication skills to liaise between production teams, vendors, and management.

●      Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and experience with PLM or QC tracking systems is a plus.

●      Ability to travel locally to factories and vendors as needed.

Characteristics

●      Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

●      Be a great task master but an even greater strategist being able to find gaps and how to fill them.

●      Seek and create steps needed to execute goals.

●      Have a critical mind and eye to flag potential issues.

●      Able to initiate conversations, negotiate, and influence multiple personalities with respect to their needs.

●      Highly independent but able to mentor and train team members.

●      Passion for the brand and mental health, a plus.

Benefits

●      15 days PTO, and 9 days sick pay annually

●      Paid holidays

●      Health, dental, and vision insurance with 75% premium coverage by Madhappy

●      Retirement plans available

●      $600 quarterly health stipends

●      Employee discount and early access to products

About Madhappy

Learn more about our initiatives including Local Optimist, The Madhappy Podcast & The Madhappy Foundation below and via Madhappy.com and @Madhappy.

About Local Optimist

Local Optimist is a space for radical discovery and connection. By focusing on open conversations and mindful exploration, we orient people with reliable, optimistic resources — available at any moment.

About The Madhappy Foundation

The Madhappy Foundation™ is non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) with a mission to improve mental health globally. Through The Madhappy Foundation™, 1% of proceeds from every sale benefit our efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and positively impact the mental health movement.

Learn more here.