Director, Quality

Fanatics Collectibles•Sunnyvale, TX

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally. About the Team Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators. Role Summary This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic development and operational oversight of the company’s Quality Management System and upholding Fanatic Collectibles core pillar – Relentlessly Improving the Collectors Experience. The Director, Quality Assurance ensures that all Topps and Fanatics Collectibles products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and timeliness. The Director will focus on process and quality at internal and external partners with regards to operational excellence, print, finishing and pack outs. This position interfaces with a range of internal product development teams and the breadth of our external supply chain. The Director, Quality Assurance reports directly to the Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance. Ability to work extended hours, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands. Experience in Trading Card Games or Collectibles a plus This position is in Sunnyvale, TX Travel <20%

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing), Quality Management or related fields.
10-15 years or progressive experience in quality assurance, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or directorial capacity.
Experience in developing and maintaining quality control systems
Mastery of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Controls (SPC) is essential.
Proven ability to implement quality assurance and ensure compliance within set standards
Proven ability to work cross functionally to define quality parameters, align SOP’s, work instructions, training material and implementation
Experience with conducting quality process audits and addressing safety, security and quality issues at suppliers.
Significant experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a busy manufacturing setting – the current operation is 24/7 across multiple sites.
Experience leading and developing a team.
Proven ability to manage and optimize resources effectively.
Expertise in Issue Resolution, Root Cause Analysis using techniques like 8D, 5 Whys and Fishbone. Demonstrated experience in process improvement and optimization.
Track record of implementing successful process improvement initiatives.
Proficiency in Risk Management.
Audit Management – Proven ability to lead internal and external audits.
Experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.
Proven ability to work effectively with other departments, such as engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain.
Experience in managing supplier relationships and coordinating with external partners
Proficiency in manufacturing software (e.g., WMS, ERP systems like SAP, Oracle).
Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Airtable
Data driven, highly analytical, ability to analyze and interpret production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Strong understanding of process optimization and efficiency improvement.
Excellent written and verbal skills

Nice To Haves

Certifications are a MAJOR plus - CMQ/OE, CQA, Lean Six Sigma – Green or Black Belt
Experience in Trading Card Games or Collectibles a plus
Bilingual a plus

Responsibilities

Supervision and Leadership:
Cross-Functional Collaboration:Ability to align quality goals with Production, Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Engineering, and Supply Chain
Ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions onsite at suppliers with regards to prepress files, proofing, stock, specification issues, etc.
Innovative thinking to improve current production processes
Team Development:Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team of quality managers, supervisors, and technicians.
Conflict resolution and team-building abilities
Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Strong decision-making capabilities
Strong organizational and time management skills
Supplier Quality Management:Establishing standards for the supply chain, including supplier audits and qualification
Ensure external partners have clear direction with regards to Quality Standards and parameters.
Proven ability to lead and motivate suppliers
Quality Control:
Attend product engineering and BOM (Bill of Material) reviews, evaluate risks and inefficiencies, and communicate with the product development team to drive efficiency, meet quality standards, provide cost and time savings.
Ability to implement and monitor quality assurance programs.
Works cross functionally to manage on-site and in-process quality assurance checks for all WIP and finished goods across supply chain.
Collaborate with the Fanatics Collectibles team to understand challenges and pain points in the supply chain and develop and execute plans to address ongoing issues and concerns with suppliers.
Ensure 1st Articles for each discipline meets quality specifications for responsible department.
Identify and resolve production and quality issues within the time frame of job schedule for responsible department.
Strong understanding of quality with regards to industry standards.
Safety and Compliance:
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company standards for all printed work.
Knowledge of ISO standards and regulatory compliance.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify areas/opportunities for improvement with regards to production process.
Develop and coordinate the research and execution of cost reduction and efficiency improvement projects at suppliers for Fanatics Collectibles.
Use data-driven approaches to enhance production performance and reduce waste.
Identify areas for improvement in production processes and implement changes.
Develop and build out the revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) & Quality Control processes in partnership with vendors and internal SMEs to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Reporting and Documentation:
Maintain accurate and updated records of department production activities, organization charts and initiatives, including project charters, ownership and deliverables.
Proficiency in data and analytics - support the development of KPI reporting & analytics (scrap, defect rates, cost of quality, efficiency, equipment & headcount utilization, etc.).
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve production performance.
Use performance data to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide weekly and monthly scorecards showing cost of quality, remake and rework KPIs.