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Los Angeles, California, United States
Hybrid
We're hiring a Head of QC to plan and run every quality control activity across our supply chain in China: every inspection, every factory, every shipment. You'll lead our China-based QA/QC team, scale up with trained third-party inspectors when volume spikes, and own the 100% QC and retailer inspection work our Costco and business-development (BD) programs require.
This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You'll split your time between Los Angeles and factory floors, and you'll be the bridge between our US team and our China QC team.
Build and own a rolling QC calendar for every PO and factory: incoming (IQC), during-production (in-line), pre-shipment and final inspections, 100% QC and container loading checks, tied to production schedules and cargo ready dates.
Forecast inspector capacity weeks ahead, and flex with temporary staff and third parties so QC is never what holds up a ship date.
Set sampling plans according to our Supplier Quality Manual (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4, General Inspection Level II, AQL 0 / 1.5 / 4.0 for critical, major and minor defects, special levels S-2 and S-4), and apply tightened, reduced and skip-lot rules.
Manage, coach and schedule the China QA/QC team (three QC inspectors and a QA engineer); set daily priorities and review every report.
Train inspectors on product-specific checklists, golden samples, defect classification and functional and safety tests (for example ground continuity, insulation resistance, hi-pot and leakage current on appliances; coating thickness and adhesion on cookware).
Run regular calibration sessions so every inspector, in-house or third-party, grades defects the same way.
Plan and run QC for Costco and BD programs end to end: 100% QC, factory training, sample selection support, and coordination with retailer-appointed inspection and testing firms.
Work with Supply Chain to build retailer QC and testing time (typically two to three weeks for Costco) into production timelines.
Recruit, qualify, train and audit third-party QC providers (for example QIMA, Bureau Veritas or Intertek) to Our Place standards when we need more capacity; manage their scheduling, cost and report quality.
Issue non-conformance reports, lead containment within 24 hours, decide rework, sort or reject with QA and Supply Chain, and track supplier corrective actions to closure.
Flag quality risks to ship dates early, with options.
Keep factories' in-line QC and production control plans aligned with our standards.
Own inspection data in Qarma: complete, on-time reports, defect paretos and supplier pass rates.
Publish a weekly QC report in English to the US and China teams covering schedule, results, open issues and risks.
Feed field and customer issues back into inspection checklists with QA and Engineering.
Every PO has a planned inspection before production starts, and no shipment slips because QC wasn't scheduled or staffed.
Costco and BD shipments pass retailer inspections the first time.
A trained, audited bench of third-party inspectors is ready for peak volume.
Inspection reports are complete and on time in Qarma, and defect trends are reviewed weekly with QA.
In-house and third-party inspectors grade defects consistently.
8+ years in QC or QA for consumer products made in China, including 3+ years leading inspection teams. Small kitchen appliance experience is required; cookware is a plus.
Fluent spoken and written English and Mandarin.
Hands-on skill with AQL sampling, inspection checklists, golden samples, first article inspection, non-conformance reports, 8D and factory audits.
Experience running retailer QC programs (Costco preferred) and managing third-party inspection firms.
Comfortable running appliance safety and function tests and cookware material tests, and reading specifications and drawings.
A highly organized planner who works from data and tools (Qarma or similar, plus spreadsheets).
Based in Los Angeles or willing to relocate, and able to travel 25%+ of the time, including extended periods in China.
Competitive pay and real-deal equity — we want you to have a slice of what we’re building together
A chance to share in our wins — all full-time team members are eligible for our discretionary annual bonus plan
Benefits that actually benefit — top-tier medical, dental, and vision to keep you feeling your best
Plenty of time off — generous PTO, and synchronized time off (we all log off together so you can actually rest)
We invest in you — $500 a year for learning & development, plus an optional 401k plan so future you is covered
All the kitchen treats — team member discount, an annual our place gift card, and of course, lots of our place goodies for your home
A workspace worth leaving your house for — a beautiful office with a creative studio, multiple kitchens, and plenty of room for big ideas
Tuesday lunches — catered meals so you can catch up with your teammates over something delicious
A culture of connection — team events, activities, and an annual company retreat because we like hanging out together
A team full of kind, thoughtful humans who actually care — because the people make this place
