Plant Quality Specialist

Varsity Brands•Brookfield, MO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Quality Specialist is responsible for protecting product quality and brand standards by managing quality inspections and product investigations within the plant. This role supports the company’s quality assurance program by inspecting incoming merchandise and manufactured goods to ensure products meet established specifications and regulatory requirements. This position plays a critical role in preventing defective merchandise from entering inventory or shipping to customers, ensuring compliance with company quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Requirements

Strong understanding of quality inspection methods and defect identification
Knowledge of AQL sampling procedures
Ability to interpret product specifications, tech packs, and quality standards
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work cross-functionally with operations and quality teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and quality reporting tools
2+ years of experience in quality control, product inspection, or plant operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience inspecting apparel, textiles, or consumer goods strongly preferred.
Experience working with AQL inspection standards preferred.
Experience coordinating with third-party inspection agencies is a plus.
Experience influencing cross functional stakeholders and external brand partners at a senior level.

Responsibilities

Perform quality control inspections of incoming fabrics, trims, and other materials using established inspection protocols and AQL sampling methodologies; perform quality control inspections of uniforms and apparel during and at the conclusion of manufacturing.
Inspect products for defects related to construction, materials, labeling, packaging, color consistency, and overall workmanship.
Verify SKU accuracy, quantities, and product specifications during receiving inspections.
Document inspection findings, classify defects, and determine disposition of goods (release, hold, rework, or reject).
Ensure timely inspection and clearance of goods to support efficient operations.
Identify recurring quality issues and communicate findings to sourcing and quality teams.
Provide feedback to suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous quality improvement.
Track vendor and internal quality trends and escalate concerns related to performance.
Coordinate and schedule pre-shipment or in-process inspections at manufacturing facilities through approved third-party inspection service providers.
Ensure inspection requests are submitted according to production timelines.
Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
Track and report quality metrics including defect rates and inspection outcomes.
Verify that incoming products comply with labeling, packaging, and regulatory requirements.
Instill quality standards among team to promote ongoing expectation of best-in-class quality