Quality & Vendor Compliance Specialist

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

WORK TYPE: Onsite

LOCATION DETAILS: 3131 Appling Rd, Bartlett, TN 38133

Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation

WORK HOURS: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

The Distribution Center Quality & Vendor Compliance Specialist is responsible for protecting product quality and brand standards by managing quality inspections, vendor compliance activities, and product investigations within the distribution center. This role supports the company’s quality assurance program by inspecting incoming merchandise, coordinating factory inspections with third-party service providers, and partnering with vendors to ensure products meet established specifications and regulatory requirements.

This position plays a critical role in preventing defective merchandise from entering inventory, ensuring compliance with company quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Perform quality control inspections of incoming merchandise using established inspection protocols and AQL sampling methodologies.
• Inspect products for defects related to construction, materials, labeling, packaging, color consistency, and overall workmanship.
• Verify SKU accuracy, quantities, and product specifications during receiving inspections.
• Document inspection findings, classify defects, and determine disposition of goods (release, hold, rework, or reject).
• Ensure timely inspection and clearance of goods to support efficient distribution center operations.
• Identify recurring quality issues and communicate findings to sourcing and quality teams.
• Support the development and maintenance of vendor quality performance scorecards.
• Provide feedback to suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous quality improvement.
• Track vendor quality trends and escalate concerns related to supplier performance.
• Coordinate and schedule pre-shipment or in-process inspections at manufacturing facilities through approved third-party inspection service providers.
• Ensure inspection requests are submitted according to production timelines.
• Review and evaluate inspection reports to confirm compliance with company quality standards.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
• Track and report quality metrics including defect rates, inspection outcomes, and vendor performance.
• Verify that incoming products comply with labeling, packaging, and regulatory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of quality inspection methods and defect identification
• Knowledge of AQL sampling procedures
• Ability to interpret product specifications, tech packs, and quality standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, sourcing, and quality teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and quality reporting tools

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• 2–4 years of experience in quality control, product inspection, or distribution center operations.
• Experience inspecting apparel, textiles, or consumer goods strongly preferred.
• Experience working with AQL inspection standards preferred.
• Experience coordinating with third-party inspection agencies is a plus.
• Experience influencing cross functional stakeholders and external brand partners at a senior level.

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

#LI-EM1

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT

At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

OUR BENEFITS

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.