(USA) Senior Manager, Quality Assurance- Fabric, Materials, R&D

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Quality Assurance – Fabric, Materials & R&D leads the end-to-end quality strategy for fabrics, trims, and material components used across the fashion category. This role ensures materials meet internal performance standards and applicable regulatory, safety, and sustainability requirements. You will partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Merchandising, and suppliers to prevent defects, strengthen material performance, and continuously improve quality outcomes for customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Quality Management, or related field (master’s preferred).
7+ years in quality assurance with a strong focus on textiles/fashion materials; experience influencing cross-functional partners.
Deep knowledge of textile/material performance testing, quality systems, and relevant regulatory/compliance requirements.
Demonstrated success leading QA teams and driving complex, cross-functional programs.
Strong capability in data-driven decision-making, root cause analysis, and CAPA execution.
Experience working with global suppliers, mills, and manufacturing partners.
Clear, executive-ready communication and the ability to translate technical findings into business actions.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma, CQE, or other quality certifications.
Masters: Business, Masters: Communication, Masters: Computer Engineering, Masters: Education
Experience managing global design operations.
Thought leadership in fashion industry forums or publications.
Track record of leading design transformation and innovation.

Responsibilities

Set material quality strategy: Define and evolve the QA vision, standards, and governance for fabrics, trims, and related materials across the product lifecycle.
Build and lead a high-performing team: Manage, coach, and develop a team of QA professionals responsible for material evaluation, testing, and issue resolution.
Own material qualification and approval: Establish criteria and processes for material selection, onboarding, and approval in partnership with Product Development and Sourcing.
Supplier quality management: Partner with global suppliers and mills to ensure compliance with company requirements and regulatory standards; drive supplier capability improvements.
Testing and certification oversight: Own testing protocols, lab partnerships, certifications, and documentation (e.g., performance, safety, restricted substances, sustainability claims) to ensure audit-ready records.
Issue resolution and prevention: Lead root cause analysis for material failures; implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.
Continuous improvement: Drive initiatives to reduce defects, improve material consistency, shorten resolution cycle time, and optimize cost without compromising quality.
Risk management: Identify emerging material risks (performance, compliance, supply chain variability) and implement controls to mitigate impact.
Metrics and executive reporting: Define KPIs (e.g., defect rates, supplier performance, test pass rates, claims/returns drivers) and present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
Industry and regulatory leadership: Stay current on textile/material innovations, testing methodologies, and evolving regulations and sustainability expectations.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Incentive awards for performance
401(k) match
Stock purchase plan
Paid maternity and parental leave
Paid time off
Multiple health plans
Performance-based bonus awards
Company-paid life insurance
PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
Short-term and long-term disability
Company discounts
Military Leave Pay
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)