Quality Control Assurance

Jerome J. Duwel

**** **** **. *******@***.***

Cincinnati, Ohio 45211 Home: 513-***-****/Mobile: 513-

***-****

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SUMMARY

Problem solving, detail oriented management professional with an extensive

background in consumer product quality in the Apparel, Accessories and

Footwear Industry. Career reflects a strong focus on the customer, in depth

knowledge of products, processes and industry requirements as well as

adaptability to changes in the product technology, industry standards and a

shifting manufacturing base. Record of continual quality improvements and

demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and inspire others through

example and coaching.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures/Manuals Performance

Standards

Vendor Qualifications Quality Reporting Inspection

Procedures

Corrective Action Social Compliance Regulatory

Compliance

Process Improvement Process Analysis Strategic Planning

& Execution

Regulated Substances Vendor Auditing Training and

Coaching

Product Development Product Integrity

Testing/Physical Test Lab

Test Protocols CPSIA/California Prop 65 International

Experience

Lean Six sigma Black Belt Candidate

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TOTES ISOTONER CORPORATION, Cincinnati, Ohio

Totes Isotoner is a global marketer and distributor of branded accessory

products (umbrellas, rainwear, rubber footwear, slippers, gloves, hats,

scarves, and sandals), private label and licensed products.

Director of Quality Management (2002-2012)

Directed all quality related activities for US corporate offices,

distribution centers and vendor liaison offices in Hong Kong, China and

Philippines. Provided advice on quality issues to Totes Isotoner Foreign

Divisions in Canada, United Kingdom and France. Maintained oversight and

monitoring of over 150 vendors to improve QC/QA operations and maintain

supply chain integrity. Provided leadership and operational direction to 5

QC/QA direct reports in the US and 42 QC/QA indirect reports in Asia.

Maintained in-house testing laboratories in the US and Hong Kong and

controlled Capital expenditures for Testing and Inspection Equipment.

Managed budget for US QC operations and consulted on Asia QC budget.

. Implemented Supplier Code of Conduct and Social Compliance Audit Program

to assure that all Vendors meet Customer and Consumer Standards. Worked

with third party/customer auditors and improved initial audit approval

rate.

. Implemented and maintained Vendor C-TPAT standards and audit program with

Vendors to meet US Customs' requirements.

. Implemented and maintained Regulated Substances List to meet customer and

government requirements including California Proposition 65.

. Implemented and maintained Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act

(CPSIA) program for children's products with Vendors and Material

Suppliers.

. Created and maintained Mold Prevention Program with Factories and Leather

Tanneries eliminating problems upstream in the Distribution Center and at

the Customer.

. Integrated into the Totes Isotoner Quality Program acquisitions of new

companies Raines (umbrellas), ESOringinals (flip flops/sandals), Northern

Cap and Gloves (Headwear), Acorn (footwear), and Manzella (gloves).

. Successfully controlled quality of rubber footwear in movement from an in-

house manufacturing operation to subcontractors Bata in Canada and

Columbia Rubber in Dayton, Ohio.

. Reduced Customer chargebacks through analysis of nonconformance's and

concentrated inspection surveillance and review with the factories.

. Negotiated costs with independent testing, inspection and auditing

services reducing overall quality costs for Asian quality operations.

. Traveled widely throughout Asia and the Caribbean to evaluate supplier

capability, review factory performance, review quality program and

initiatives, train quality staff, and build relationships with suppliers,

agents, factories, independent testing and inspection services, Totes

Isotoner Asia staff and key supply chain personnel.

Quality Control Manager (1996-2002)

Took on expanded role with responsibility for US and Asia QC/QA operations

and laboratories and with additional reports added to meet expanding

product categories and lines.

. Successfully integrated and improved quality systems during merger of

Totes and Aris Isotoner.

. Established product design approval process and retention of the samples

at the factory for improved conformance to specification.

Quality Engineer (1984-1996)

Hired to develop a quality control and quality assurance program for

products manufactured by outside subcontractors. Established incoming

inspection procedures, defect classifications, product performance

standards, and statistical sampling plans. Established Quality performance

metrics and reporting to upper management.

. Managed and controlled quality of newly developed and domestically

sourced slipper sock program that saw sharp increases in quantity over a

few years time with 11 new sock mills and 5 screen printers and including

in house development of screen printing.

. Initiated factory capability survey and quality control audit process

vendors.

. Developed and standardized product specification requirements with the

Design Department.

EDUCATION

MBA, Operations Management, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

BA, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

TECHNICAL SKILLS

MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint; Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Candidate

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