Product Integrity Testing Specialist

Job Number: 4021

Position Title: Product Integrity Testing Spec

External Description:

Basic Purpose:  

 

The Product Integrity Testing Specialist will support the day to day activities of the Talbots Quality Testing process; assisting to assure products meet Talbots corporate quality standards and maintain compliance with Federal, State and industry requirements.  The key focus will be to ensure the administration of bulk product testing is executed in a timely manner for fabrics, materials and final finished products. Review all bulk testing across all entities and product types; identify risks and elevate any quality non compliances.   Position will be responsible to provide reporting, reviewing test procedures and protocols, as well as properly file and archive test reports.

 

 

Principal Accountabilities: 

 

• Assist in executing global quality testing procedures across all Talbots business; Core, Outlet and Accessories. Primarily focusing on bulk soft line testing. Communicate with agents, vendors, and suppliers to assure understating of Talbots quality standards and program requirement. Enforce consistent execution of product testing, address any vendor non compliance.
• Monitor products to assure compliance with all applicable USA federal and state and safety regulations and legislative requirements. Keep informed of any regulatory changes that would impact Talbot’s products.
• Assist in providing guidance on government regulations pertaining to product safety or restricted substances compliance to the brand and external partners. Monitor trends and communicate concerns to management.
• Attend key product meetings assessing and reporting on quality and regulatory risks. Communicate risk to cross functional teams to facilitate an agreed action to mitigate and manage the risk.
• Analyze fabric and garment bulk test reports for determination of acceptability. Advise Product Integrity Manager when results are below standards and make recommendations for improvements and next steps.
• Approve bulk care labeling insuring compliance to regulatory standards and alignment to brand expectations.
• Oversee bulk testing process to ensure all styles have been tested, in accordance to Sourcing agreed Time and Actions, assure product Meets with satisfactory results and complies with all state a federal requirements.
• Assist in coordinating wear testing as needed, report on results to business partners.
• Conduct and complete any in house lab testing as needed; dimensional stability, XRF analysis, crocking, weight.
• Communicate with third party test laboratories to assure laboratories are performing testing in accordance to Talbots specified test program. Proactively address issues.
• Review and provide assessment on Talbot quality program and test protocols.
• Conduct In-Store quality assessment and testing to present cross functional teams and agents.
• Monitor Talbots Today for trends in store quality issues, investigate customer service issues and provide recommended actions. Partner with LVQA to issue vendor formal feedback and warnings to vendors.

 

Dimensions:  

 

Serve as a quality ambassador internally and externally driving product quality for the Talbots customer

• Assist in conducting and communicating quality assessments on non compliances to Sourcing and Agents, develop and agree on corrective action to be implemented to improve / maintain quality.

• Assist in maintaining product quality testing protocols, make recommendation on changes as needed to keep current on regulation and industry standards.
• Provide guidance on product safety and product compliance to all state and federal regulation as well as Prop 65.
• Provide direction to agents and vendors to assure compliance to Talbots quality testing procedures
• Provide technical consultancy to the Design, Fabric, PD, and Sourcing teams
• Determine risk level of  non compliance partner with Management as required
• Provide feedback and address issue to Intertek Consultant –Talbots On-site Account  Manager( on site full time)

 

 

Internal and External Relationships:

 

Internal:

• Design
• Fabric R and D
• Sourcing
• Technical Design
• Product Development
• Merchants
• Lakeville QA
• Customer Service
• Marketing

 

External:

• Agents
• Direct Vendors
• Mills
• Trim suppliers
• Testing Labs
• Nexgen

 

 

 

Number of Direct Reports and Titles

 

na

 

 

Education/Experience/Knowledge:

 

• Prefer a BS in Textile or related degree
• 3-5 years job related experience needed; in the industry.
• Experienced with product knowledge through all phases of material and apparel product testing and labeling.
• Understanding of government regulations and labeling standards as pertains to apparel and soft goods.
• Proven proficiency in state and federal regulations, Prop 65,  restricted substances
• High level of understanding in current AATCC and ASTM test methods and standards.
• Proven knowledge in apparel and accessory product quality testing in design and manufacturing
• Possess strong Technical ability and knowledge of fabric/ yarn, wash, and garment construction
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to influence cross functional teams to achieve shared goals
• Ability to travel domestically as needed.

 

City:

State:

Community / Marketing Title: Product Integrity Testing Specialist

Company Profile:

Talbots is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, the company is known for modern classic style that's both timeless and timely, fine quality craftsmanship and gracious service. At Talbots relationships are the key to our business, we hire individuals who bring new ideas to the table, understand smart risk taking and  can enhance an already thriving culture.  With a commitment to offer modern classic style for every body type, through a  full range of sizes, inclusive to every woman in your life.

EEO Employer Verbiage:

Talbots is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, or any other category protected by applicable law. Talbots is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process please contact recruiting@talbots.com. Talbots will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business.

PositionType_Description: Full Time

Location_formattedLocationLong: Hingham, Massachusetts US