Position Summary
The QA / Hot Stamping Supervisor oversees the quality assurance and hot stamping operations for the company plant. QA is the final step before a finished good is placed in the finished goods warehouse: the team turns product right side out, inspects it, cleans it, removes loose threads, and corrects or pulls anything that does not meet Jon Hart standards. The supervisor also oversees the hot stamp area, where personalization is applied after items are picked for an order. This role leads a team of 20–30 employees through established leads, identifies the root cause of quality issues, and partners with other supervisors to correct those issues at the source.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the team. Supervise a team of 20–30 employees, directing the work through established leads; develop those leads, set daily priorities, monitor output and quality, and hold the team accountable to Jon Hart standards.
- Own quality assurance. Oversee and perform the day-to-day quality assurance activities for all Jon Hart product in accordance with established company standards and procedures, ensuring every item is turned, inspected, cleaned, and finished before it is released to the finished goods warehouse.
- Prioritize the work. Prioritize work orders daily using the company dashboard, sequencing QA and hot stamping work to meet ship dates, and communicate those priorities to the leads and the team.
- Run the hot stamp area. Oversee hot stamping operations through the hot stamp lead, including setup, monogram and personalization accuracy, machine settings, and inspection of stamped product before it moves forward in the process.
- Coordinate maintenance. All machine maintenance and repair is performed by the company mechanic; identify equipment issues early and coordinate directly with the mechanic to schedule service and minimize downtime.
- Find the root cause. Investigate quality issues to determine the root cause rather than the symptom, and work directly with other supervisors and departments to implement lasting corrective action. Quality and Repairs must work closely together: repair and return trends are one of the fastest ways to spot a quality problem, so this role keeps that information moving between the two areas and acts on it quickly.
- Monitor performance. Track productivity, efficiency, and quality data, identify trends, and report clearly and accurately on results.
- Improve processes. Review operating practices, inspection standards, and staffing needs, then update procedures and implement changes that improve quality and throughput.
- Develop the training. Build the department's quality training content and standards, and deliver that training to staff and other required attendees to ensure achievement of exceptional quality standards.
- Communicate. Schedule and lead team meetings to keep everyone informed, and build a spirit of cooperation within the department and with other departments.
- Support the customer. Ensure a high level of internal and external customer service to include investigations and correcting customer issues and complaints relating to quality.
- Coordinate with production. Coordinate objectives with production procedures in cooperation with the Assistant Production Manager to maximize product reliability and minimize costs, and perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred. No college degree required — relevant quality, manufacturing, and supervisory experience may be substituted for formal education.
Experience
- At least 2 years of quality control or related experience and/or training.
- 2–3 years of supervisory experience required. An equivalent combination of relevant experience and training may be considered.
Skills & Abilities
- Eye for detail. An incredible eye for detail, with the ability to maintain accuracy in product turning and to spot discrepancies others would miss.
- Root cause mindset. Not satisfied with simply catching a defect; digs in to find the root cause of why it happened and works side by side with other supervisors and departments to fix it at the source so it does not repeat.
- Product knowledge. Develop strong knowledge of all Jon Hart products and quality inspection standards.
- Computer skills. Basic computer skills, including the company dashboard, email, and MS Word and Excel. Experience with an ERP system, including posting in an ERP, is a plus; NetSuite experience a plus.
- Numbers. Solid math skills — add, subtract, multiply, and divide accurately, and check results.
- Leadership. Proven ability to lead, motivate, train, coach, and develop team members, and to delegate effectively.
- Organization. Able to prioritize and organize competing tasks, manage time, and adjust to meet ship dates and deadlines.
- Problem-solving. Able to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve discrepancies, exceptions, and process issues as they come up.
- Adaptability. Flexible in responding to shifting priorities and fluctuating order volumes, including peak and seasonal demand.
- Judgment. Demonstrates sound judgment in decisions regarding product quality issues and customer complaints.
- Operations knowledge. Basic understanding of manufacturing operations and plant safety rules.
- Communication. Must be able to communicate clearly with a team that includes Spanish-speaking members. Fluency in Spanish is a plus but not required — the ability to communicate effectively using translation tools (such as Google Translate) is acceptable. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
Additional Expectations
- Convey detailed instructions and ideas clearly, accurately, and promptly.
- Understand, remember, follow, and exchange basic instructions, information, and guidelines.
- Maintain a courteous, professional, and positive attitude with coworkers.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality; self-discipline and focus to complete important tasks on time.
- Available to work Saturdays as needed to meet production and shipping demands.
Physical Requirements
- Sits or stands continuously for 4–8 hours during a shift while supervising and training employees, inspecting product, and meeting department objectives.
- Stands and walks on concrete or similar surfaces for up to 8 or more hours per day.
- Continuously uses hands and fingers when handling product, and for typing to create reports and answer email.
- Continuously uses ordinary visual acuity to examine product; must have color vision to detect color discrepancies in fabric or leather.
- Uses normal hearing to communicate and to receive ordinary information verbally.
- Continuously lifts, pushes, or pulls up to 20+ lbs. of material and product.
- Occasionally stoops, climbs, kneels, or reaches to handle product or machinery; repetitive motion may be involved.
Working Conditions
Work takes place in a design and production plant, indoors, with conditions similar to a textile manufacturing facility. There is some exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions, including fabric cutting, pressing, and sewing equipment, and frequent exposure to heavy machinery and forklifts in the plant operations area.
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you speak Spanish?
- How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
Work Location: In person