Quality & Vendor Compliance Specialist

Varsity Brands•Bartlett, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Distribution Center Quality & Vendor Compliance Specialist is responsible for protecting product quality and brand standards by managing quality inspections, vendor compliance activities, and product investigations within the distribution center. This role supports the company’s quality assurance program by inspecting incoming merchandise, coordinating factory inspections with third-party service providers, and partnering with vendors to ensure products meet established specifications and regulatory requirements. This position plays a critical role in preventing defective merchandise from entering inventory, 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, sourcing, and quality teams
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and quality reporting tools
2–4 years of experience in quality control, product inspection, or distribution center operations.
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 merchandise using established inspection protocols and AQL sampling methodologies.
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 distribution center operations.
Identify recurring quality issues and communicate findings to sourcing and quality teams.
Support the development and maintenance of vendor quality performance scorecards.
Provide feedback to suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous quality improvement.
Track vendor quality trends and escalate concerns related to supplier 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.
Review and evaluate inspection reports to confirm compliance with company quality standards.
Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
Track and report quality metrics including defect rates, inspection outcomes, and vendor performance.
Verify that incoming products comply with labeling, packaging, and regulatory requirements.