Product Quality Specialist (QA/QC/Compliance), PD Dept, Corporate Sportswear Apparel and Accessories

• Apr 2018 - Present

Senior Designer, International Global Sourcing, Soft Home products / Footwear all genders /Seasonal

• May 2013 - Oct 2017

HIGHLIGHTS o Successfully introduced, managed and implemented a formal technical control process, for testing and quality standards, across Soft home and Footwear products for private brands, which led to increased compliance with Sears and improved adherence to regulatory quality standards, and vendor response time o Performed in-store walkthroughs, audits and followed-up with corrective actions/claims thereby increasing product quality and reduced customer complaints o Introduced and maintained detailed product tracking spreadsheets based on critical milestones to closely monitor processes and detected delays or issues which allowed for earlier resolution of delays • Responsible for managing the entire Soft Home and Footwear technical departments • Collaborated with Sourcing and Development teams, Buyers, Packaging, in the development of specification packages, execution of the product, and to ensure that all private and captive brands meet Sears quality standards, and are in Compliance to the Canadian, US and International regulatory requirements • Worked directly with overseas agents and vendors for process improvement, addressed fit issues and increased speed to market within branding department • Performed quality control for all counter, pre-production, and production samples, and advised vendors of necessary corrections daily to comply with technical specifications • Performed footwear fitting sessions, clearly provided fit, workmanship corrections and recommendations • Leveraged experience to provide technical advice on achieving cost reductions and product limitations • Initiated and lead weekly production meetings to ensure on-time delivery of quality goods • Performed thorough market research to ensure the right benchmarks are set for size and construction • Regularly reviewed and advised on test results, and made recommendations of necessary corrections

Senior Technical Designer, Global Sourcing,Soft Home/Seasonal/Hardlines(Storage,Flatware,Dinnerware)

• Mar 2009 - Apr 2013

HIGHLIGHTS o Standardized specs/forms/sample submission tags by composing a detailed SOP manual with relevant information, across all commodities which led to consistency and compliance in layout and updates o Consistently sought innovative solutions regarding HBC’s specifications and sought to improve in house service to Sourcing managers, Production Managers and Product Development Managers which led to more efficient communication and collaboration between departments o Trained and managed staff by providing cross-training, coaching, within department and ensured that the staff was engaged and adhered to quality standards • Responsible for managing the entire Soft Home technical department and a variety of the Hardlines • Developed technical packages while coordinating with developers and sourcing team • Provided technical expertise in fabrics regarding product prototypes to prevent defects and complications • Reviewed/approved all and verified compliance with textile regulations and regulatory requirements • Performed in-house tests on fabrics for construction and weight, washing performance, absorbency, colourfastness) and provided the feedback to global sourcing and vendors on corrective actions • Reviewed/approved all final inspection reports provided by the nominated 3rd party Intertek(ITS) or vendors • Consistently researched and updated the procedures for new regulations (with TSSA and Health Canada)

Product Coordinator, Fashion Bedding and Bed Basics (Contract)

• Jan 2009 - Mar 2009

• Prepared detailed specification sheets including construction, fabrication, and trims • Tasked which colour/strike-off approval processes, and coordinated with the design team; advised vendors of approval or necessary remediation • Inspected all photo, prototype, pre-production, and production samples, and advised vendors of necessary corrections to comply with technical specifications and quality requirements • Co-ordinated, updated milestone approvals in the critical path using MS Project • Set up SKU’s, UPCs using in house system

Quality Assurance Manager, Fashion Bedding and Softhome products, Table tops, Seasonal

• Nov 2003 - Oct 2008

HIGHLIGHTS o Created and implemented internal process controls in order to achieve Quality Assurance objectives, and improved quality standards for imported goods under my direct supervision o Initiated and set-up a stationary for fabric testing (colourfastness, fabric construction, thread count, GSM), and colour approval for the first time in company which improved the quality control procedures o Updated all company product specifications, shipping instructions, labelling for all products, based on self-directed market research, to ensure compliance with current legal and client labelling standards o Introduced and built fabric library for standards, colour references, organised and maintained sample room for all products which led to sharing of knowledge across the organizations • Responsible for quality control and to work closely with production, logistics, design and development teams • Coordinated with more than 100 overseas suppliers to ensure that the products maintained 100% compliance rate with client standards and audit • Provided technical assistance and coaching to all overseas suppliers (domestic or direct imports) • Followed-up on colour/strike-off approval processes and advised for approved dips • Inspected and approved or rejected pre-production and production samples, and made subsequent recommendations of necessary corrections, to comply with technical and quality specifications • Performed in-line inspections, FRI, and 100% inspections in order to ensure compliance to product specifications; notified the suppliers and took corrective actions for any quality issues in a timely manner

Production Development Assistant (Contract)

• Feb 2003 - Nov 2003

• Responsible for production of prototypes and samples, pre-production approval and MTL product testing • Coordinated with dye house department the regarding the color approval processes for production of private label programs for major retailers in Canada and USA • Provided technical specifications in line with design requirements and seasonal trends • Prepared specific materials for advertising, and worked closely with design department in creating line boards and presentations • Maintained and updated company showroom (seasonal) which increased customer interaction