Quality Control Specialist

Quince•Santa Fe Springs, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand focused on providing high-quality essentials at low prices through a unique manufacturer-to-consumer model. We leverage technology, data, and strong relationships with manufacturers to achieve this. Our culture is built for builders, encouraging questioning conventional thinking, using data to find opportunities, and moving quickly to implement ideas. We aim to build a better way of doing retail at an unprecedented speed and scale. This role is for someone who enjoys imagining new possibilities and building better systems. The Embroidery Quality Control Specialist will oversee embroidery decoration quality at three key stages: pre-production approval, inventory receiving, and final shipping verification. This role also involves handling overage returns at third-party decorator operations. The primary goal is to identify and prevent defects before they reach the customer, establish quality standards with external decorator partners, and ensure the delivery of perfect work. This is a high-accountability position requiring technical embroidery knowledge, vendor management skills, and a strong commitment to quality.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in embroidery production, quality control, or decoration operations with hands-on knowledge of embroidery standards (stitch quality, density, color accuracy, placement)
Proficiency with embroidery software (Wilcom, Tajima, Hatch, or similar) for file review and digitizing verification.
Demonstrated ability to set and enforce quality standards; experience managing vendor or decorator relationships a plus.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable drafting detailed approval/rejection notes and briefing management on quality trends.
Proficient with Cadence, Printavo, Google Sheets, and photography documentation systems.
Meticulous attention to detail; calm under pressure; solutions-oriented mindset.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform detailed visual inspections of garments and decorated products

Nice To Haves

5+ years in embroidery/decoration quality or production leadership.
Experience with heat transfer, sew-on labels, or screen printing as additional decoration types.
Familiarity with Madera thread colors and color-matching workflows; certification in Quality Assurance.

Responsibilities

Own pre-production approval — review art proofs from 3P decorators and assess sew-out samples against order specifications (placement, sizing, color match, stitch quality, trademark symbols); approve or reject with detailed written notes before production begins.
Manage third-party decorator relationships — establish quality standards with our 3P decorators, and other partners; conduct inspections during production runs and review finished samples before shipment.
Perform final shipping inspections — visually and tactilely inspect all decorated items for loose threads, puckering, seam integrity, color accuracy, and placement precision; pull non-conforming work and route to rework or disposal.
Track and communicate quality metrics — maintain detailed records of all approvals, rejections, and rework; document defect trends by decorator and order type; report monthly on quality performance and escalate issues to Operations Manager.
Conduct daily quality audits with 3P decorators — review performance data, identify root causes of defects, and collaborate on corrective action plans to drive continuous improvement.
Maintain complete audit trail — document all quality decisions in Cadence, maintain photographic records of pre-pro approvals, and organize digital quality files for compliance and dispute resolution.
Support order management — coordinate closely with Order Management Coordinator on rush orders, approval timeline changes, and delivery commitment risks driven by quality issues.