Manager - QA Lab

Overview:

This role leads the daily operations of the in-house textile testing laboratories. The manager ensures all testing is completed accurately, on time, and in line with corporate, regulatory, and customer standards. The role also oversees technician training, equipment management, test method alignment, and documentation for both locations.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations

• Manage day-to-day workflow for all textile and apparel test requests, including AATCC, ASTM, ISO, and internal methods.
• Review and release test reports with clear, data-driven conclusions.
• Set turnaround expectations and ensure on-time delivery of results for development, production, and quality teams.
• Maintain sample traceability and follow established lab SOPs.

Technical Leadership

• Ensure testing methods are followed consistently across both U.S. and Nicaragua labs.
• Validate and update standard operating procedures as methods evolve.
• Train lab technicians on new test methods, equipment handling, safety practices, and documentation.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for test failures and product issues.

Equipment and Calibration

• Oversee all lab equipment, including installation, calibration, and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain calibration and maintenance records to support audits and customer requirements.
• Recommend new equipment based on business needs and testing capability gaps.

Quality and Compliance

• Make sure the lab meets internal quality system standards and external requirements such as AATCC, ASTM, ISO 17025 principles (if applicable).
• Prepare labs for internal and external audits.
• Maintain proper sample handling, recordkeeping, and data integrity practices.

Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Product Development, Production, QA, Compliance, and Sourcing teams on testing needs and timelines.
• Provide technical guidance during material selection, mill evaluations, vendor approvals, and performance claim validation.
• Support global quality programs by generating testing data and trend analysis.

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and schedule technicians in both locations.
• Define performance expectations and support growth and development.
• Coordinate staffing, training, and workload balancing between the two labs.

Safety and Housekeeping

• Ensure labs follow all safety protocols, including chemical handling, PPE, and emergency procedures.
• Keep lab areas organized, clean, and audit-ready.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in textiles, textile chemistry, materials science, chemistry, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of lab experience in apparel, textiles, or materials testing.
• Hands-on experience with AATCC and ASTM methods (washability, color fastness, pilling, bursting strength, dimensional stability, etc.).
• Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements and performance standards.
• Experience managing technicians and daily lab operations.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing multi-site labs or offshore teams.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 or other quality management systems.
• Knowledge of equipment such as Launder-O-Meter, pilling box, Martindale, tensile/tear testers, spectrophotometers, environmental chambers, and standard laundry equipment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is helpful.

The base salary range for this position is $80,000-$110,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company’s total rewards package for exempt employees. Other rewards may include performance bonuses, long term incentives, a PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.

#LI-ONSITE