About the Role
We’re looking for a Quality Analyst to help set and maintain world-class quality benchmarks for performance apparel at Cava Athleisure. This role will define what “quality” means for activewear—going beyond casualwear parameters to build products that perform, last, and feel premium.
You’ll be responsible for setting measurable standards, testing parameters, and ensuring that every garment meets the performance expectations of a high-functioning activewear brand.
What You’ll Do
- Define quality standards and parameters for all activewear categories (leggings, sports bras, tops, outerwear, etc.) — from fabric to finish.
- Develop testing protocols and performance benchmarks that differentiate activewear from casualwear (e.g., stretch recovery, moisture management, pilling resistance, shrinkage, colorfastness, etc.).
- Identify and collaborate with labs and vendors that can execute these tests accurately.
- Build inspection checklists and reports for inline and final production quality.
- Establish pass / fail benchmarks for all key quality parameters — both physical and performance-based.
- Work closely with the product development, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to ensure standards are built into the process, not checked at the end.
- Create documentation and reporting systems to track results, identify recurring issues, and drive continuous improvement.
- Conduct random audits on finished goods and supplier quality systems.
- Partner with suppliers to train quality teams on activewear-specific performance standards.
What You Should Bring
Prior experience in apparel quality or technical analysis — ideally within activewear, sportswear, or performancewear.Strong understanding of fabric behavior (stretch, recovery, moisture-wicking, etc.) and garment construction techniques for performance.Familiarity with industry testing standards (AATCC, ASTM, ISO, etc.) and lab test report interpretation.A systematic approach to quality assurance — balancing lab testing with practical wear-test insights.High ownership and curiosity to define and improve what “Cava quality” means.Nice-to-Haves
Exposure to functional fabric technologies (spandex blends, brushed knits, recycled performance materials).Experience working with third-party labs (e.g., SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas).Understanding of fit and comfort testing from an end-user perspective (stretch, hold, breathability).Familiarity with D2C brand manufacturing environments and small-batch QC workflows.What Success Looks Like
Cava’s products consistently meet or exceed top global activewear benchmarks.Quality issues are caught and solved upstream.A clear, documented framework for measuring performance and fit is built and maintained.Additional Recommendations for Scope Expansion
1. Wear-testing program setup — coordinating athlete or customer feedback loops to measure real-world performance.
2. Vendor quality grading system — rating suppliers based on consistency, defect rates, and test results.
3. Continuous improvement projects — working with PD / sourcing to solve recurring issues (e.g., seam slippage, pilling).
4. Sustainability-linked quality goals — ensuring recycled or sustainable fabrics meet performance parity with virgin ones.
5. Incoming fabric QC — ensuring pre-production fabric lots match approved standards in stretch %, GSM, color, and hand feel.