Quality & Testing Technical Operations Specialist (Hardlines)

Key Responsibilities Position Summary The Quality & Testing Technical Operations Specialist is responsible for managing product quality assurance, testing, regulatory compliance, and technical evaluation activities for hardline products and manufacturing partners. This position is primarily office-based and works closely with suppliers, third-party laboratories, Sourcing, Product Development, Compliance, Merchandising, and Base Camp teams to ensure products consistently meet company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The role requires a strong understanding of hardline product manufacturing processes, including plastics, metals, fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations. The position may occasionally require factory visits to assess manufacturing capabilities, evaluate quality management systems, investigate quality concerns, conduct supplier assessments, and support quality improvement initiatives and special projects. Quality Assurance & Supplier Quality Management Coordinate with suppliers, factories, inspection agencies, and Base Camp teams regarding quality requirements, inspection schedules, standards, and expectations. Monitor inspection activities and ensure compliance with company quality standards, procedures, and customer requirements. Review inspection reports and communicate quality findings, risks, and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Upload, maintain, and manage inspection reports and related quality documentation in designated systems in a timely manner. Maintain accurate inspection records and quality-related technical information within company systems. Follow up on inspection findings and ensure corrective actions are implemented prior to shipment approval. Review supplier self-assessment technical audit reports and provide feedback, comments, and recommendations for improvement. Conduct factory visits and supplier assessments to evaluate: Manufacturing capability Production processes and controls Quality management systems Product testing capabilities Compliance with company requirements Monitor supplier quality performance and support supplier development initiatives. Partner with vendors to drive continuous improvement in product quality, manufacturing processes, and operational efficiency. Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, inspection failures, and non-conforming products. Perform root cause analysis and work with suppliers to implement effective corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA). Track CAPA implementation and verify effectiveness to prevent recurrence. Escalate significant quality risks and compliance concerns when necessary. Product Testing & Compliance Management Manage testing programs for product development, validation, production, and regulatory compliance. Coordinate testing submissions and communications with approved third-party laboratories. Review laboratory test reports and evaluate compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, performance, and customer requirements. Identify testing failures, compliance risks, and product-related concerns and work with suppliers to resolve them. Review and monitor corrective action plans and improvement plans arising from failed testing results. Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers regarding testing standards, protocols, and compliance requirements. Develop, recommend, and implement testing protocols for new product innovations, materials, and emerging product categories. Support product development teams by conducting technical evaluations and risk assessments during product development and commercialization stages. Review product specifications, construction details, materials, and technical documentation to identify potential testing and compliance risks. Stay current on industry standards, testing methodologies, regulatory requirements, and emerging compliance trends relevant to assigned product categories. Maintain strong working relationships with laboratory partners to ensure timely and accurate testing results and issue resolution. Systems, Documentation & Technical Operations Maintain accurate quality, testing, inspection, audit, and compliance records in company databases and systems. Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, up to date, and properly archived. Support data integrity and reporting requirements within quality management systems. Utilize PLM systems to manage testing, inspection, compliance, and quality documentation. Support process improvements and standardization initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. Generate quality and testing performance reports as required. Cross-Functional Collaboration Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely communication and resolution of quality, testing, and compliance issues. Collaborate with Sourcing, Product Development, Compliance, Merchandising, and Base Camp teams to support business objectives and product launch timelines. Participate in quality improvement projects, supplier development programs, and process optimization initiatives. Support special projects and additional assignments as directed by management. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, Product Testing, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline preferred. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Product Testing, Compliance, Technical Services, or Supplier Quality Management. Experience with hardline consumer products, toys, electrical products, outdoor products, camping equipment, fishing products, footwear, pet products, or related categories. Experience and understanding of manufacturing processes for plastics, metals, fabrication, surface finishing, coating, painting, welding, assembly, and related production operations. Proven experience reviewing laboratory testing reports and managing corrective action plans. Experience developing and implementing testing protocols for new product innovations is preferred. Experience with Centric PLM or similar Product Lifecycle Management systems is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills & Competencies Strong technical knowledge of hardline, toy, electrical, and consumer product manufacturing processes, including plastics, metals, fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations. Solid understanding of product safety regulations, regulatory compliance requirements, and industry testing standards. Knowledge of manufacturing quality controls, process capability, failure analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational and project management capabilities. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong ability to communicate and collaborate with laboratories, vendors, factories, and internal stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and PLM systems, preferably Centric PLM. Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to travel 10-20% as business needs require. Preferred Qualifications Experience working directly with internationally recognized testing laboratories (e.g., UL, Intertek, SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV). Experience supporting product innovation projects and developing testing protocols where established standards may not exist. Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, EN, CPSIA, CPSC, FCC, REACH, RoHS, Prop 65, and other applicable product safety and compliance standards. Experience conducting factory assessments and evaluating manufacturing processes, production controls, and quality systems across diverse hardline product categories. Travel Requirement: Approximately 10-20% domestic and international travel, with trips ranging from 1 to 7 days in duration, to factories, suppliers, laboratories, and vendor locations as business needs require.