Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager - Allbirds

Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager | San Francisco, CA | Operations Team | Reports to Senior Director, Operations 

Who is Allbirds?

At Allbirds, we believe in using business as a force for good. We're a global footwear and apparel brand with roots in New Zealand and headquarters in San Francisco. Since 2016, we've been on a mission to prove that comfort, design, and sustainability aren't mutually exclusive. Our commitment to creating better things in a better way is fueled by a belief that the fashion industry needs to focus less on flash and more on thoughtfulness. We're a certified B Corporation, meaning we meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We're dedicated to making the most sustainable products we can using premium natural materials - designed for life's everyday adventures. In fact, TIME 100 named us for being one of the most innovative companies. Already calling our first shoe, the Wool Runners, the most comfortable in the world, and there is much more to come.

We take our craft seriously, but not ourselves. As part of the Allbirds family, you can look forward to team lunches, product tests, fun company events, inspiring guest speakers, comfortable shoes, sheep puns, and lots of creative ideas.

What does the job entail?

We are seeking a proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented Quality Assurance (QA) and Compliance Manager to lead and elevate the QA program at Allbirds. In this key role, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end quality assurance process—from initial design through product development, manufacturing, and post-purchase analysis. You will also ensure that our manufacturing partners meet social compliance and regulatory standards, and that all importation documentation and labeling comply with global requirements.

Collaboration will be at the core of your work as you partner with cross-functional teams, including design, production, sourcing, and suppliers, to maintain and exceed quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in quality assurance, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to manage complex product compliance projects over time. A deep understanding of QA methodologies and a passion for product excellence are critical, along with the confidence to take initiative and drive key QA initiatives independently.

What You'll Do: 

• Develop and implement QA processes across the entire product lifecycle—from design, development, and manufacturing to post-production analysis.
• Establish and maintain quality standards for all products to ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and global labeling requirements.
• Lead social compliance efforts to ensure all manufacturing partners adhere to ethical labor practices and meet environmental and safety standards.
• Oversee vendor relationships and collaborate with suppliers to ensure consistent adherence to quality protocols.
• Oversee regular audits and inspections of factories and production lines to monitor and verify compliance with quality standards.
• Analyze and resolve quality issues that arise during production or post-production, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, product development, sourcing, etc.) to ensure quality objectives are integrated into each phase of product development.
• Ensure all documentation is up to date for regulatory compliance, import/export requirements, and global product labeling.
• Manage returns analysis to identify patterns, track performance, and continuously improve product durability and customer satisfaction.
• Lead product compliance projects related to testing and certifications for safety, durability, and performance.
• Stay informed of industry trends and advancements in quality assurance techniques, tools, and best practices.
• Develop training programs for internal teams and manufacturing partners to ensure consistent adherence to quality standards.
• Report on key QA metrics and present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage and oversee the QA budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet quality goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the QA program to enhance product quality and efficiency.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of QA methodologies, tools, and best practices, with a proven track record of implementing and managing QA programs.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in quality assurance, preferably within the footwear, apparel, or consumer goods industries.
• Strong self-motivation and initiative to prioritize and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Leadership experience with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and external vendors and suppliers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and drive change.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex issues and make data-driven decisions.
• Certifications in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001) are a plus

What do we offer?

In Office: The  pay range for this role is: $118,000 - $130,000 and must be performed in our San Francisco, CA corporate office. 

Allbirds routinely evaluates pay rates, and the ranges are subject to change based on market rates and other considerations.  We factor in a number of components when determining starting pay, including the job and level you are hired into, location, skillset, experience and peer compensation.

Benefits Overview:

When you join our flock at Allbirds, we offer competitive pay as well as bonus and equity for eligible roles, healthcare, retirement savings, and other great benefits for the whole being. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms. For information about benefits and eligibility, please see the detailed list below.

• Health benefits include Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and eligible dependents. 
• Medical plan options include: PPO, HDHP (100% premium paid for employees, employees only pay premium for dependents), and HMO (in California)
• 100% Company paid OneMedical memberships available for members of certain medical plans. 
• Company HSA contribution for enrolled HSA members.
• Financial benefits include: company equity for eligible roles, 401(k) with employer matching contribution (with immediate vesting and pre and post-tax options), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, company-paid life insurance for full time roles, short-term and long-term disability, pre-tax savings programs for eligible healthcare, childcare and commuter expenses for both full and part-time roles, medical travel expense reimbursement program for full and part-time roles.
• Unlimited PTO for full-time corporate roles, sick and vacation time for  other roles, plus parental leave (with a new parent bonus for full-time employees), volunteering, medical & family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Support benefits through Modern Health (free mental health benefit with coaching and therapy sessions), Employee Assistance Program and more.
• Other Perks include: the company discount (50%) on most Allbirds products, discount mall through LifeBalance, reimbursement on eligible wellness expenses (full-time employees) and cellphone and more for certain eligible roles.

Diversity

Allbirds is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. Allbirds policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits discrimination based on a perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.