The Head of Global Quality Assurance will be responsible for all aspects of quality assurance for all Fuerst Group entities (currently KEEN, Chrome and all related subsidiaries) including owned manufacturing, third-party contract factories. This person will manage and implement industry leading best QA/QC practices for Fuerst Group through integration with product development, commercialization and business units. This position is responsible for working with the executive management teams at Fuerst Group and Keen leaders and the operating teams of its subsidiaries to set and implement best in class Global TQM systems that are result oriented. The position liaises with operations, regional leaders and their QA teams, product development teams to ensure all products are delivered in accordance to company values and quality standards in all channels and categories.

 KEY RESPONSIBIILTIES

• Evolve and lead the global quality assurance programs for all factories worldwide (both owned and contract) through TQM principles
• Leads the Quality New Product Introduction programs, developing QA standards that can be transferred to production factories.
• Leads the customer response and corrective/preventive implementation plans when a product issue arises.
• Surveys and evaluates future and current vendors for their performance related to quality.
• Prepares and implements QA Policies and Procedures, not only product related but also business processes related.
  • Establishing production standards for materials and finished products
  • Auditing of factories for compliance with established standards
  • Testing of all materials and products to established standards and ensuring compliance to safety, CSR, RSL standards
  • AQL process for finished goods
• Reviews discrepancy reports and implements corrective action plans (CAP) through root cause analysis.
• Reports progress to business units as required. Maintains contact with customers to ensure their business needs are met or exceeded.
• Train QA/QC staff at all manufacturing locations as required.
• Establishes QA objectives and creates plan of action.
• Liaises with senior management personnel in formulating and establishing company policies, operating procedures and goals.
• Liaises with engineering about quality assurance of new products designed and manufactured.
• Implement appropriate HR strategies and actions to recruit and retain a qualified and motivated workforce.
• Sets organizational directives and subsequently ensures that TQM plans adhere to them.
• Usually has familiarity with and implements Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, ISO and similar principles or standards and build them as part of QA systems.
• Leads and directs the work of other employees. Supervision is often provided through a team of subordinate managers and regional leaders. 
• Responsible for aligning departmental strategy or direction with the overall goals of the organization. 
• Develops policies, practices, and procedures that have a significant impact on the organization as it relates to overall values, CSR, RSL, etc.

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Intense collaboration
• Passionate customer focus
• Thoughtful, fast, disciplined execution
• Tenacious commitment to continuous improvement
• Relentless drive to win

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years’ experience in the industry.
• Proven working knowledge of footwear industry, including technology and product development, materials, trends and the overall marketplace.
• North American and Global exposure to footwear industry.
• Ability to set strategy and “see the white space” on Big Ideas.
• Proven success in managing a global quality organization and track record of business results.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and set an all-encompassing product vision.
• Demonstrated experience managing globally dispersed, direct and cross functional teams.
• Ability to Travel (Domestically/Internationally) up to 30%.

Fuerst Group is an equal opportunity employer, who values an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability