Manager, QA

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Position Summary:

• The Quality Assurance Manager ensures that all Topps and Fanatics Collectibles products are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and timeliness. The Quality Assurance Manager also focuses on optimizing automation, processes, managing staff and maintaining safety standards within the plant. This position interfaces with a range of internal product development teams and the breadth of our external supply chain. The Quality Assurance Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Quality Assurance and Compliance. 
• This position is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and is in person.

• Ability to work extended hours, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 7-10 years in quality assurance and managing teams in a manufacturing environment
• 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role

Quality Assurance Experience:

• Experience in developing and maintaining quality control systems
• Proven ability to manage quality assurance programs and ensure compliance within set standards
• Proven ability to work cross functionally to define quality parameters, align SOP’s, work instructions, training material and implementation
• Experience with conducting quality process audits and addressing quality issues

Production Experience:

• Extensive experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven track record of managing quality operations and meeting production targets with regards to on time delivery, utilization, efficiency and scrap.
• Experience with implementing and managing lean manufacturing initiatives

Management Experience:

• Significant experience in a managerial or supervisory role within a busy manufacturing setting
• Experience leading and developing a diverse team of production workers
• Proven ability to manage and optimize resources effectively
• Bilingual a plus

Process Improvement Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and optimization
• Track record of implementing successful process improvement initiatives
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies a plus

Safety and Compliance Experience:

• Proven track record of maintaining quality, safety and compliance standards in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with conducting safety / quality process audits and implementing safety programs.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and other relevant safety standards.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Experience:

• Experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with other departments, such as engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships and coordinating with external partners

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Supervision and Leadership:

• Ensure production teams have clear direction with regards to Quality Standards and parameters.
• Assign tasks and monitors the daily activities of the QC staff on production floor
• Audit Process and implement 
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to production and QC staff
• Ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions
• Strong decision-making capabilities
• Innovative thinking to improve production processes
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Conflict resolution and team-building abilities
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Quality Control:

• Attend product engineering and BOM (Bill of Material) reviews, evaluate risks and inefficiencies, and communicate with the product development team to drive efficiency, meet quality standards, provide cost and time savings.
• Ability to implement and monitor quality assurance programs
• Works cross functionally to manage on-site and in-process quality assurance checks for all WIP and finished goods across supply chain.
• Collaborate with the Fanatics Collectibles team to understand challenges and pain points in the supply chain and develop and execute plans to address ongoing issues and concerns with suppliers
• Works with operators, supervisors and line leads in effort to meet the high-quality standards for each specific operation
• Implement and enforce quality process/control audits, standards, procedures for responsible department.
• Inspect/audit physical product to ensure they meet quality specifications for responsible department
• Identify and resolve production and quality issues within the time frame of job schedule for responsible department
• Strong understanding of quality control procedures and standards

Production Management:

• Works with project management team to ensure manufacturing and finishing processes are on-schedule and support product release dates
• Works cross functionally with other departments to ensure production schedules and targets are met
• Monitors department’s quality processes and adjust schedules as needed to meet deadlines.
• Coordinates with other departments to ensure smooth workflow and efficient production

Safety and Compliance:

• Work collaboratively with production, safety and security to enforce safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for responsible department.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company standards for responsible department
• Knowledge of ISO standards and regulatory compliance

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify areas for improvement in department production process
• Collaborated with Continuous Improvement and Production departments towards the implementation and execution of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives based on the analytics of the department production processes and workflows
• Develop and coordinate the implementation and execution of cost reduction and efficiency improvement projects
• Use data-driven approaches to enhance production performance and reduce waste.
• Identify areas for improvement in production processes and implement changes.
• Develop and build out the revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) & Quality Control processes in partnership with vendors and internal SMEs to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and updated records of department production activities and initiatives, including output, quality, inventory levels, implementations, etc. of responsible department.
• Prepare and submit department operations reports to department director.
• Document any incidents, accidents, or quality issues of responsible department.
• Proficiency in data and analytics - support the development of KPI reporting & analytics (scrap, efficiency, equipment & headcount utilization, etc.)

Resource Management:

• Collaborate to manage the allocation of department materials, machinery, and workforce to optimize production efficiency and utilization
• Ensure that all necessary materials and supplies are available for department production

Training and Development:

• Identify training needs and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for quality department and production staff
• Develop and coordinate the implementation of training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Inform direct manager of any planed or unplanned leave presented during the work scheduled
• Facilitate effective communication between production teams and other departments, such as engineering, quality assurance, maintenance, scheduling, security, safety and any others
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss and resolve production issues
• Maintain open and constant communication about all department matters with the direct manager

Performance Metrics:

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve production performance for responsible department.
• Use performance data to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement initiatives for responsible department.

Additional Skills:

• Proficiency in manufacturing software (e.g., ERP systems like SAP, Oracle).
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Ability to analyze and interpret production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and problem-solving techniques.
• Strong understanding of process optimization and efficiency improvement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Regular bending, stooping, and kneeling to monitor machinery, inspect WIP, and handle materials.
• Frequent reaching overhead and below shoulder level to access materials
• Compliance with all safety protocols and regulations regarding PPE usage (including safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, etc.)
• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and potential hazards.
• Tolerance for working in conditions that may include dust, fumes, and strong odors.
• Ability to remain alert and focused during long shifts and high-pressure situations.

EMPLOYER’S RIGHTS:

• This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions,and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers