Quality Control Associate

About the Company

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.

Role Summary

The QC Associate ensures the highest standards of quality in the production of trading cards. This role inspects cards for defects, verifies that products and counts meet established quality standards, reconciles quantities as material moves between processes, and documents any discrepancies. The associate works closely with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues promptly, protecting product integrity, sequence accuracy, and downstream commitments

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Inspecting and Testing:

• Perform detailed inspections of trading cards for defects such as misprints, color and foil inconsistencies, centering and alignment issues, surface damage, and incorrect cutting or numbering to meet defined quality criteria.
• Inspect incoming materials to confirm they meet specified requirements.
• Monitor the assigned area to ensure product conforms to customer and internal specifications.
• Follow and apply established inspection procedures and disposition criteria.
• Perform sample checks of packaged cards to verify collation, alignment, and adherence to specifications.
• Use standard inspection and measurement tools to verify conformance.

Control & Traceability:

• Reconcile quantities and confirm counts before material moves to the next process.
• Complete product handoff documentation accurately, including quantities and sign-off at each stage of production.
• Verify serialized and numbered products against work-order requirements.
• Account for all product quantities per established procedures.
• Follow all product-handling and security procedures.

Quality Documentation:

• Accurately record inspection results, including defect type and the number of affected items, per quality control procedures.
• Maintain complete, accurate records of inspections and quality activities in the quality system.
• Document defects, deviations, and corrective actions, and report non-conformities to the Lead or Supervisor.

Problem Identification & Resolution: 

• Identify defects, inconsistencies, and non-conformities, and assist in determining root cause.
• Collaborate with machine operators, leads, and supervisors to resolve quality issues promptly and effectively.

Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively with production teams to meet or exceed quality and production targets.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Assist in training new QCs on quality standards and inspection procedures.
• Perform additional manufacturing tasks as directed by the Lead or Supervisor.

Continuous Improvement:

• Participate in continuous-improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality and process efficiency.
• Support quality checks and audits as directed.

Coordination & Customer Focus:

• Communicate effectively with other departments to ensure a consistent, unified approach to quality management.
• Understand customer expectations and specifications, and ensure that product leaving the area meets or exceeds requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in manufacturing or quality control is a plus.

Skills/Experience:

• Previous experience in a quality-control role, preferably in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify defects and inconsistencies.
• Ability to sort and organize items by player name (alphabetical) and card sequence (numerical).
• Basic arithmetic to count and reconcile quantities accurately.
• Ability to read and accurately complete work orders, transfers, and inspection records.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with production teams.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Physical Demands

Specific eyesight requirements:

• Ability to distinguish colors and subtle foil and refractor variations.
• Visual acuity to read fine print on cards, documents, and screens.
• Depth perception for safe handling of materials and equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standing & Walking:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Frequent movement within the production area to inspect and assist.

Lifting & Carrying:

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

Bending, Stooping, & Kneeling:

• Regular bending, stooping, and kneeling to access, position, and handle materials.

Reaching & Handling:

• Reaching above and below shoulder level to access materials.
• Manual dexterity to handle small parts, cards, and tools accurately.

Pushing & 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, including dust, fumes, and odors.

• 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.

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