Quality Assurance Manager, Jewelry & Luggage

Quince

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading quality execution across product development and production to ensure products meet design, safety, construction, and regulatory standards. This role partners closely with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Product Development to proactively identify risks, implement testing protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position reports directly to the VP, Quality and plays a critical role in protecting product integrity and brand reputation across domestic and international markets. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in fine jewelry quality control, including diamonds, precious metals, certification standards, and rigorous inspection processes, along with experience managing quality programs at scale.

Requirements

Minimum of 7+ years of experience in Quality Assurance within fine jewelry, luxury goods, or accessories categories.
Hands-on experience managing fine jewelry quality control, including diamonds, gemstones, precious metals, certification documentation, grading standards, and inspection protocols.
Strong understanding of diamond grading, gemstone quality evaluation, precious metal standards, and jewelry construction integrity.
Experience establishing and managing inspection and quality control processes at scale, including return inspection and defect analysis.
Experience working with major retailers, luxury brands, or vertically integrated jewelry companies.
Experience developing and implementing product testing protocols and inspection plans using industry-accepted methods.
Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Statistical Process Control).
Quality management experience within manufacturing, production, or vendor partner environments.
Strong understanding of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles.
Proven ability to drive measurable impact, including defect reduction and supplier quality improvements.
Experience leading and developing quality team members.
Strong strategic thinking, structured communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Product Development teams to proactively identify and address potential quality concerns during product development and production.
Ensure products meet design intent, craftsmanship standards, material specifications, and regulatory compliance across jewelry and luggage categories for both domestic and international markets.
Lead quality processes related to fine jewelry, including inspection standards for diamonds and gemstones, precious metal verification, certification documentation, grading alignment, and return inspection protocols.
Conduct and support Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for new product development initiatives to identify potential quality risks early in the development cycle.
Develop and implement product testing protocols and inspection plans to mitigate potential quality or defect issues, including defining test methods, pass/fail criteria, and sampling methodologies.
Execute and oversee testing and inspection plans across internal teams and third-party partners to ensure adherence to approved standards.
Establish and maintain quality governance for stone grading, metal quality verification, setting integrity, and product durability testing.
Maintain governance of Test Protocols and Inspection Plans, ensuring all internal teams and third-party partners follow approved documentation and processes.
Stay current on applicable regulations, gemstone certification standards, and industry best practices to ensure compliance.
Build strong working relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external inspection partners to ensure quality standards are consistently applied.
Lead defect reduction and continuous improvement initiatives across suppliers and manufacturing partners.
Lead and develop a team of Quality Assurance professionals supporting quality and compliance programs.