Collation QC Associate

About the Team

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

The Collation Quality Control Associate is responsible for ensuring that every product moving through the manufacturing process meets Fanatics Collectibles' quality standards. This role conducts hands-on inspections of raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods; identifies defects and non-conforming material before it ships; investigates root causes when quality issues arise; and partners closely with Manufacturing Operators, Leads, Engineering, and Maintenance to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement. The Quality Control Specialist is the on-floor advocate for product quality and the bridge between Production and the broader Quality organization.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Quality Inspection & In-Process Audit:

• Conduct routine inspections of raw materials, in-process production, and finished products to verify conformance to specifications and customer requirements.
• Perform visual, functional, dimensional, and measurement-based inspections using calibrated tools and testing equipment (calipers, micrometers, color/density meters, vision systems).
• Pull samples per inspection plans and conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections across production runs.
• Verify production setups before runs begin; release the line to production only when setup meets quality standards.
• Audit operator self-checks and ensure inspection plans are being followed across shifts and machines.

Defect Identification & Root Cause Analysis:

• Identify defects, inconsistencies, and non-conforming materials at the earliest point in the process; isolate suspect material to prevent it moving downstream.
• Document defects with clear descriptions, photos where appropriate, and full traceability — machine, operator, shift, material lot, and time.
• Investigate root causes of recurring quality issues using structured problem-solving (5 Whys, fishbone, Pareto analysis) and drive corrective and preventive actions through to closure.
• Escalate persistent or systemic issues to the Quality Supervisor and Manufacturing leadership; partner on containment when needed.

Process Monitoring & Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure adherence to documented procedures, quality standards, and customer specifications.
• Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to detect drift and identify process improvement opportunities before defects occur.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, scrap, and rework — propose changes and pilot improvements with Manufacturing.
• Assist in developing, updating, and validating quality control procedures, work instructions, and inspection checklists.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, complete records of inspections, test results, defect reports, and corrective actions.
• Generate clear, timely quality reports for Production leadership, Engineering, and the broader Quality organization.
• Track quality metrics — defect rate, first-pass yield, scrap, customer complaints, audit findings — and surface trends with actionable recommendations.
• Ensure quality documentation is organized and retrievable in accordance with company and customer requirements.

Compliance & Audits:

• Ensure compliance with company quality policies, safety standards, and applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
• Participate in internal audits; support external customer, supplier, and certification audits as needed.
• Maintain calibration records for inspection equipment and verify gauge accuracy on schedule.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Manufacturing Operators, Leads, Operator Trainers, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues quickly and durably.
• Provide actionable, constructive feedback to production teams when quality issues arise — frame issues as problems to solve together, not as enforcement.
• Support Operator Trainers and Manufacturing leadership when new SOPs, materials, equipment, or customer specifications are introduced.
• Reinforce the “every operator is a quality checker” mindset by coaching operators on quality standards and helping them self-correct.

Safety:

• Adhere to all safety, PPE, and lockout/tagout policies at all times.
• Report hazards, near-misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Verify operators are following safety protocols during inspections and call out gaps constructively.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Skills/Experience:

• 2+ years of hands-on quality control or quality assurance experience in a manufacturing environment — print, finishing, or card production strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with inspection tools and measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, color/density meters, vision systems).
• Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills; structured approach to investigating issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills — able to explain quality issues clearly to operators, leads, and management, and present findings to a range of audiences from hourly workforce to executive leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple cross-functional projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, specifications, drawings, and procedures a plus.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and quality management or ERP systems.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Preferred:

• Experience in print, finishing, or card production environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing tracking systems.

Physical Demands:

Specific eyesight requirements:

• Ability to distinguish between colors.
• Visual acuity to read fine print on documents and screens (close vision at 20 inches or less).
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distance and spatial relationships).
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust eyes to bring an object into focus).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standing and Walking:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Frequent movement within the production area to inspect product, audit processes, and partner with operators.

Lifting and Carrying:

• Ability to lift and carry materials and inspection equipment weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of heavier items with the assistance of equipment or team members.

Bending, Stooping, and Kneeling:

• Regular bending, stooping, and kneeling to inspect machinery, pull samples, and handle materials.
• Flexibility to work in low positions and confined spaces as needed.

Reaching and Handling:

• Frequently reaching overhead and below shoulder level to access materials and inspect equipment.
• Manual dexterity to handle small parts, samples, and measurement tools accurately.

Pushing and Pulling:

• Ability to push and pull carts, equipment, and materials as needed within the production area.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Regular use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, and safety shoes.
• Compliance with all safety protocols and regulations regarding PPE usage.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and potential hazards.
• Tolerance for working in conditions that may include dust, fumes, and strong odors.

Physical Stamina:

• Endurance to work extended hours, including overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays as production demands.
• Ability to remain alert and focused during long shifts and high-pressure situations.

EMPLOYER'S RIGHTS:

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for this job's performance. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don’t fall victim to fraud. Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com). For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers