Director of Quality

ob Summary:

The Director of Quality is responsible for overseeing all quality assurance and quality control functions within the apparel manufacturing and supply chain processes. This leadership role ensures that products meet the company’s standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements, while working closely with design, production, and sourcing teams to implement best practices in quality management. The Director of Quality will play a critical role in upholding the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products to customers while optimizing cost-efficiency and minimizing defects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality Management Strategy:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s quality management system (QMS) across all stages of apparel production, from design to finished goods.
• Establish quality benchmarks and standards for materials, workmanship, and finished products.
• Create and execute long-term quality improvement strategies to enhance product consistency, durability, and customer satisfaction.

• Quality Control and Assurance:

• Oversee inspection and testing processes to ensure that products meet quality standards and specifications.
• Ensure adherence to international, industry, and regulatory quality standards (e.g., ISO, AQL).
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, and production teams to resolve product defects and quality issues at early stages.

• Supplier Quality Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure raw materials and finished goods meet quality expectations.
• Conduct audits, evaluations, and performance reviews of key suppliers and manufacturers.
• Develop and monitor supplier corrective action plans when quality issues arise.

• Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional quality team, including quality control technicians, inspectors, and managers.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to maintain high levels of expertise within the quality team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring all employees are aligned with quality standards and company values.

• Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Utilize data analysis tools and techniques to identify trends, root causes, and areas for improvement in the quality control process.
• Report on key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, customer complaints) to senior management, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of product quality issues, both internally and to external stakeholders.

• Compliance & Auditing:

• Ensure the company complies with relevant quality standards, certifications, and regulations in all markets served.
• Lead internal and external quality audits and facilitate corrective actions to resolve any compliance issues.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments, trends, and regulations to ensure the company remains in full compliance.

• Continuous Improvement:

• Spearhead initiatives for process optimization to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and drive cost-saving measures.
• Drive a culture of quality excellence throughout the organization, promoting cross-functional collaboration to address challenges and improve product quality.

• Customer Satisfaction and Product Excellence:

• Address customer feedback related to product quality, identifying recurring issues and implementing corrective measures.
• Work closely with the customer service team to resolve quality-related complaints or returns in a timely and satisfactory manner.
• Ensure product safety, durability, and performance are consistently evaluated to meet customer expectations.