Senior Manager

Description:

Vans, a global leader in footwear, apparel, and accessories, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Manager, Quality to join their Costa Mesa, CA office (Hybrid). In this leadership role, you will be responsible for upholding Vans’ global quality and brand standards across all product categories including footwear, apparel, and accessories. You will serve as the primary liaison between VF’s global quality organization and the Vans brand, acting as the first point of contact for all bulk production and market quality issues.

The role demands strong expertise in quality management, product development alignment, root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and cross-functional collaboration. You will partner with Product Development, Technical, Engineering, Sourcing, and Vendor teams to implement robust quality policies, drive continuous improvement, and mitigate risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage global product quality issues and customer complaints by investigating, analyzing root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

• Lead development-to-production alignment, ensuring standards, acceptable ranges, and risk-based quality programs are established and adhered to.

• Oversee New Product Introduction (NPI) risk-based programs, particularly for collaborations and high-profile launches.

• Own and manage quality programs end-to-end, developing metrics, KPIs, and data-driven improvement strategies.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, sourcing offices, and vendors to ensure efficient resolution of bulk production issues.

• Drive process improvement initiatives including consumer feedback loops, risk assessments, and vendor negotiations to safeguard brand reputation and revenue.

• Build strong partnerships with Global Quality leaders, internal stakeholders, and customer service teams to enhance overall quality systems.

• Provide strategic leadership as a brand quality ambassador and thought partner, influencing decision-making and contributing to Vans’ long-term quality strategy.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in quality, product development, or manufacturing.

• Strong background in footwear and/or apparel industry.

• Proficiency in process implementation, analytics, quality metrics, and testing methods.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact at multiple organizational levels.

• Self-motivated with a proven track record of initiative and leadership.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.

• Capability to lift and move heavy product samples (30–60 lbs).

Compensation & Benefits:

• Monthly salary: USD 11660 – 12150 (annual USD 116640 – 145800).

• Eligible for additional incentive programs including annual bonuses and commission-based awards.

• Comprehensive benefits package available via VF Corporation, including medical, retirement, and employee discounts.