Quality & Vendor Compliance Associate (Distribution Center)

The PlantQuality 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.

Job Responsibilities

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• 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

Education, Certification and Experience

•         2+ years of experience in quality control, product inspection, or plant 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.

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.