Quality Inspector – Incoming Materials

New Balance.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

New Balance seeks a Quality Inspector to ensure products meet high standards. Key tasks include sampling, inspection, and maintaining records while collaborating across teams. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, strong communication, and problem-solving skills while handling physical aspects of the role. Enjoy a flexible work environment with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

$100 monthly student loan support

Yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement

4 weeks of vacation

12 holidays

Generous parental leave

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Fluent in English; Spanish fluency a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming sampling and inspection of raw materials.
• Maintain records of inspections for tracking improvements.
• Initiate Suspect Material Report (SMR) for nonconformances.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Detail-oriented

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Computer skills (Excel)

Manual pallet jack

Job description

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:
This is a critical role for the New Balance Quality Team. Quality inspectors review samples of materials or finished goods to assure they meet New Balance’s high-quality standards. These standards are crucial to meet our factory’s and customer’s needs to produce and sell the highest quality MADE footwear.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Quality Inspectors perform incoming sampling and inspection of raw materials per NB Quality inspection criteria and reference to New Balance Global Standards. Use of a variety of tools such as calipers, gages, visual aesthetic reference swatches, samples, or go-bys. Maintain and update records of inspections in database to monitor and track improvements. Initiate Suspect Material Report (SMR) when nonconformances are identified. Coordinate with consolidation like stock purge containment, returns of goods, release of conforming product for production. Contribute to management of opportunities of improvement, streamlining the process.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to read and write in English; fluency in Spanish a plus
• Strong communication skills to coordinate and collaborate with team and departments
• Computer skills required, excel, uploading photos, basic math
• Safe operation of manual pallet jack
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy weight – up to 60 pounds
• Must be flexible to shift planned activities to respond to address urgent matters
• Must be organized, detail oriented, accurate data collection

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.