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Director - Product Safety, Compliance & Stewardship

Employer
J.Crew
Location
Grand Central, New York, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Sep 28, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Sustainability
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
POSITION SUMMARY :

The Director is responsible for the creation and management of the J.Crew Product Quality, Safety and Compliance testing programs.

The Director will help J.Crew brands and divisions achieve product safety compliance as well as environmental targets.

The Director will initiate, lead and manage projects aimed at driving global chemicals and water management programs, and supporting related environmental sustainability initiatives across J. Crew supply chains. The success of this role will require close collaboration with key internal partners (Supply Chain, QA) and key Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives such as Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC), AFIRM Group, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE :

Experience:

* 10 years' management experience in textile testing and retail quality compliance for ‘better' North American, European and Chinese markets
* Chemical management and supply chain experience preferred.
* Established international relationships with testing service providers and regulatory bodies.

Education:

* Minimum MSc. in Textiles Technology/Chemistry/ Materials/Production or Textile Recycling/Environmental Science.

Skills:

* Demonstrated ability managing programs in compliance, product safety, environmental or other corporate programs in the supply chain through testing, auditing and certifications.
* Ability to interpret test results, explain complex data and content in a clear and impactful way.
* Proficient in using MS Excel/Tableau or other analytical programs to combine and analyze data from various sources and generate reports and graphics. Must be able to combine large volumes of data for consolidated reporting.
* Proven ability to support a team-oriented environment.
* Knowledge of the apparel industry, consumer goods industry and/or Supply Chain a must.
* Previous engagement with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals, AFIRM, or comparable industry working groups is a plus.
* Working knowledge of global and regional chemical legislation such as REACH, CPSIA 2008, GB and CA Prop 65.
* Experience managing and providing internal and external training.
* Strong problem-solving abilities with a pragmatic solutions-oriented mindset
* Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

ENVIRONMENT :

* Corporate office, fast-paced
* Individual contributor & team player at same time - must be able to work independently and to be self-sufficient, but also must be able to act as a team leader and collaborator
* Be flexible and respond to changing demands
* Ability to work in ambiguity
* International travel likely between 1 to 3 times per year

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES :

Product Testing, Safety, Compliance Management, & Stewardship

* Manages the product performance and testing functions for JC Group brands and co-branded merchandises.
* Ensures product performance testing is conducted within established timelines following established test methods such as AATCC, ASTM, BS/EN/ISO as well as approved internal testing methods.
* Maintains testing database, reports, filing, test equipment, standards and procedures.
* Develops, writes, publishes and maintains Product Performance Protocols and Specifications for current and new products, ensuring Product Safety Standards are included in the Product Performance Protocols.
* Manages relationships with 3rd party Laboratory Service including negotiations on cost, service, protocol approval and Lab approval.
* Acts as a consultant to peers to give informative technical perspective on product performance, product testing related issues and requests for claim substantiation or performance attributes. Conduct market research and benchmark test/analyses.
* Serves as key contact for all product performance, product testing related issues and requests pertaining to imported and/or private brand merchandise.
* Manages and communicates product performance test data (performance scorecard) and results to other associates such as agents, production, and outside vendors .
* Facilitates swift resolution with regards to quality and safety issues by working closely with the sourcing teams, vendors, and QA management. Help identify and implement supplier remediation and capacity building solutions around water, wastewater and chemicals challenges in the context of broader environmental challenges.
* Hires, trains and supervises team comprising testing manager and associates in regards to QA/Testing/Product safety initiatives.
* Communicates regularly with VP QA Director on all testing, procedural and technical issues.
* Participation in industry organizations pertaining to product safety/compliance and testing.
* Participates in seminars and educational training to others.
* Participate in industry organizations discussions to stay abreast of events and revisions regarding compliance.

Chemicals, Wastewater Management, & Stewardship

* Oversee the ongoing maintenance to J. CREW's global Restricted Substance List (RSL) and ZDHC's Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), working in close collaboration with J. CREW Quality Assurance (QA), Sourcing, Legal, Technical Design and Raw Materials teams, as well as external laboratories and consultants.
* Collaborate with business divisions, consultants, and suppliers on corrective actions related to RSL and MRSL testing failures.
* Partner with management leads in QA and labs to ensure adherence to global RSL testing protocol.
* Work with internal and external business partners to research and adopt alternative, green chemistries.
* Project management in support of a global product stewardship program, including management of Nonprofit and private sector stakeholders.
* Help create ways of measuring the environmental impacts of activities in sourcing communities. Review and assess emerging environmental related metrics/targets.
* Partner with J. Crew brands and divisions to integrate environmental sustainability initiatives into business practices.
* Partner with J. Crew sustainability team to integrate supply chain sustainability initiatives.

We are committed to affirmatively providing equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, legally protected physical or mental disability or any other basis protected under applicable law.

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