Manager, Footwear Quality

The Manager, Quality plays a critical role in upholding the excellence of Cole Haan's industry-leading products. This position ensures every pair of Cole Haan shoes meets the highest standards of quality, durability, and craftsmanship Cole Haan is known for. The Manager, Quality will bridge the gap between U.S. and international markets, seamlessly connecting feedback from retailers and consumers with the expertise of our Asia Development, Commercialization, and Quality offices. This role will contribute directly to the mission of delivering unparalleled comfort, style, and value in every product.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Global Quality Program Leadership: Administer the "Global Quality Program," managing essential process documentation, standard documentation, lab testing protocols, continuous process improvement, reporting, analysis, and root cause analysis. Drive initiatives to enhance quality standards and ensure consistency across all manufacturing bases
• Deviation Approval Management: Oversee daily Deviation Approval Forms (DAF) submitted by the Asia quality team. Assess and decide on material or manufacturing deviations from standards, providing clear guidance and immediate decisions to maintain product integrity
• Market Quality Investigation and Resolution: Act as a primary investigator for any market-raised issues related to product quality or fit, performing comprehensive inventory audits, product research, sourcing data collection, scope assessment, and issue resolution. Communicate findings and corrective actions effectively to internal and external stakeholders
• Performance and KPI Reporting: Administer daily and weekly KPI and performance reports to ensure visibility into quality trends and performance metrics. Establish and continuously refine performance-based statistics to deliver data-driven insights and actionable reports to senior leadership
• Digital and Physical Returns Analysis: Proactively monitor weekly returns data from digital and physical markets in both U.S. and international regions. Analyze trends, identify outliers, and implement corrective actions for any products with higher-than-acceptable return rates
• Quality Project Oversight: Lead quality projects including in-house or third-party repairs and rigorous 100% inspections
• Inventory Audits and Standards Enforcement: Conduct and supervise scheduled inventory audits in our distribution center, report findings, identify deviations from standards, and implement corrective actions to ensure that all products meet quality requirements
• Fit and Quality Assessments: Support pre-production fit assessments and quality reviews by conducting thorough evaluations and providing feedback to factory teams. Assist in model fit and pre-production reviews to ensure quality before products reach the market
• Wear Test Program Management: Collaborate on internal and external wear test programs, gathering feedback to continually improve product durability, comfort, and performance

• Bachelor's Degree required in a relevant field
• 5+ years of experience in a quality role within a footwear or consumer goods manufacturing environment. Direct experience in footwear manufacturing or related industries is preferred
• Exceptional Organizational Skills: Highly detail-oriented and capable of managing complex projects and workflows with precision. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong Communication Skills: Proven ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively across teams and cultures. Must be able to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders with confidence and clarity
• Analytical and Process-Oriented: Skilled in data analysis, problem-solving, and root cause identification, with a focus on continuous process improvement. Able to assess trends and insights to make informed quality decisions
• Quality Systems Knowledge: Hands-on experience with quality management systems, including standards documentation, process documentation, and lab testing protocols. Familiarity with quality certifications or standards (such as ISO) is a plus
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and execute projects with cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and ensure accountability
• Systems Proficiency: Proficient with quality management software and data analysis tools. Experience with systems such as SAP, PLM, Tableau, Airtable, or similar platforms
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

This position is not available to be performed in Colorado.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Cole Haan is committed to meeting the spirit as well as the letter of the law. We have been, and continue to be, committed to Equal Opportunity Employment and equal treatment of all qualified individuals -- regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or any other factors that are not job related.