Imperial is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Senior QA/Quality Director to lead our comprehensive Quality Assurance programs. The ideal candidate will possess robust expertise in Quality Management Systems (QMS), ISO certification standards, vendor management, and ideally bring industry-specific experience in apparel, automotive or medical device sectors.

Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 (10% bonus)
Full Time
Location: Hybrid - Bourbon, Mo.

What You’ll be Doing

• Lead, implement, and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System (QMS), driving compliance to ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
• Oversee quality assurance activities across product design, production, and distribution.
• Lead and support supplier quality initiatives and vendor management processes, including supplier evaluations, audits, corrective actions, and ongoing improvement programs to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.
• Manage and coordinate external and internal certification audits, ensuring company-wide compliance.
• Work cross-functionally to foster a culture of quality excellence, engaging teams in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze quality performance data, identify areas of improvement, and implement strategic solutions.
• Implement, train, and oversee root-cause problem-solving methodologies, driving continuous improvement and effective resolution of quality issues.
• Develop, implement, and manage Layered Process Audits (LPAs) to ensure ongoing process compliance, identify gaps, and proactively address potential quality concerns.
• Build, develop, and mentor the quality assurance team by fostering leadership, accountability, and technical expertise through comprehensive training, performance management, and ongoing professional development to cultivate a culture of quality and excellence

What We Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or related discipline; advanced degrees preferred
• Advanced Manufacturing Planning, FMEA, Control Plan and Document Control experience
• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, Process Optimization,
• Certified in CSCP, CPIM, Lean Six Sigma, and/or Project Management a plus
• Root cause problem solving and corrective action implementation
• 10 - 15 Years of Quality Experience in progressive roles.
• 5 - 8+ years of leadership experience in quality assurance leadership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise managing ISO/TS and other certification processes.
• Significant experience in vendor management and supplier quality evaluations.
• Experience in a high volume, high mix manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and strong leadership capabilities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• COPQ (cost of poor quality) improvements
• Customer Complaints
• Internal and external PPM improvements
• Scrap and rework performance
• Supplier performance
• Audit and Compliance Results

Benefits

• Free Hats
• 401K with company match
• Health care (medical, dental, vision)
• Employee Assistance Program
• PTO (vacation, personal days, 9 company holidays)
• Opportunities for continuing education
• Employee product discounts

To apply, please click “apply” or reach out for additional information! We look forward to meeting with you.

Company Overview
Since 1916, Imperial has epitomized luxury, authenticity, and individuality by crafting premium headwear, apparel, and accessories with an unwavering dedication to quality and detail. Our team is committed to excellence–serving customers in golf, retail, corporate, and destination/leisure markets. We are available in the top resorts, golf courses, national sporting events, and retail locations nationwide. As the #1 headwear brand* in the golf market and an entrusted licensing partner for companies including Nike, Adidas, and Peter Millar–Imperial is leading the industry in decorative apparel.
*Voted by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported by Golf Datatech

Our Mission: We create consumer products that enrich and embellish people’s lives. Our responsiveness, continuous improvement, and empowerment of all team members are the pillars of our success.

Imperial is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds.