Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Missouri

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Manager leads the quality function for PPE apparel operations, ensuring products consistently meet internal quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory/safety certifications (e.g., ANSI/ISEA, NFPA, ASTM, CE). This role owns the quality management system, leads a team of quality specialists/inspectors, drives root-cause and continuous improvement efforts, and serves as the primary point of accountability for product quality across manufacturing and warehouse operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned. Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Quality Assurance Specialists/Inspectors across warehouse/distribution functions.
• Set team priorities, workload, and schedules to ensure adequate quality coverage across shifts and production lines
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and build bench strength within the quality team
• Manage the incoming inspection process for all received goods, ensuring timely and accurate quality checks
• Own the root cause analysis and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) process for internal defects and customer-reported quality issues
• Analyze quality data and defect trends to identify systemic issues; lead cross-functional problem-solving with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain
• Partner with Product Development/Engineering on new product introduction (NPI) to ensure manufacturability and quality standards are built in from design
• Manage supplier quality performance, including audits, scorecards, and corrective action requests (SCARs) for raw material and component suppliers
• Develop, document, and continuously improve inspection protocols, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria
• Ensure ongoing compliance with PPE-specific safety and performance standards relevant to product lines (ANSI/ISEA cut/puncture resistance, NFPA 70E/2112 arc-flash, ASTM test methods, CE marking requirements, etc.)
• Analyze and report incoming inspection results to leadership, identifying trends and recurring issues
• Provide structured, data-backed feedback to suppliers on quality issues and drive corrective action
• Maintain inspection records and documentation in compliance with company and (if applicable) industry/regulatory standards
• Collaborate with procurement, receiving, and operations teams to prioritize, resolve quality holds and minimize disruption
• Serve as primary contact for third-party certification bodies, regulatory audits, and customer quality audit
• Maintain product traceability, labeling compliance, and documentation required for PPE certification claims
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S) to reduce defects, scrap, and rework, and improve first-pass yield
• Set and track quality KPIs (defect rates, customer returns/complaints, cost of quality, audit scores) and report performance to leadership
• Lead root-cause investigations for significant quality escapes, including customer complaints or recalls if applicable
• Track key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, supplier scorecards, inspection turnaround time) and use them to drive process improvements
• Collaborate with Asia sourcing and QA teams

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Textiles, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

EXPERIENCE | PREFERRED SKILLS

• 5+ years of progressive quality assurance experience, including at least 2+ years in a supervisory/managerial capacity
• Experience in apparel, textiles, PPE, or technical manufacturing environments strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of quality standards applicable to PPE (ANSI/ISEA, NFPA, ASTM, CE, or similar depending on product category)
• Hands-on experience managing ISO 9001 (or equivalent) quality management systems, including internal/external audits
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis and CAPA processes
• Strong data analysis skills; comfortable working with quality metrics, Excel, and QMS/ERP systems
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional influencing skills
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM)
• Experience with PPE-specific testing/certification processes (arc-flash, cut resistance, flame resistance, etc.)
• Experience managing quality across both manufacturing and distribution/warehouse operations
• Experience supporting new product development/launch from a quality perspective

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with applicable policies/procedures and Federal/State laws, may perform the following supervisory responsibilities: Interviewing, hiring, orienting, coaching and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising, managing and rewarding performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly uses verbal and written communication skills and must be able to hear and speak clearly. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, and manipulate objects.

This position may also require periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing, as necessary to perform job duties.

The employee must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Ability to walk the production/warehouse floor for extended periods

TRAVEL

Occasionally

OVERALL WORK ENVIRONMENT

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

The office is clean, orderly, properly lit and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

This role is based on-site in a manufacturing/warehouse facility. Some exposure to production equipment, materials handling, and standard manufacturing floor conditions should be expected. Appropriate PPE will be provided and required per facility safety policy.