Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist

Implement quality and safety standards at the respective Supplier / PU's to always ensure best quality output of C&A products. Drive the Development and Production of top-quality products in line with the company strategy and global standards for product performance, product safety, quality and conformity from local suppliers and PU’s. Implement at supplier a ‘Right First Time’ approach to Manufacturing Control, technical design / fit and production that will deliver ‘Speed to Market’ requirements.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead, coach and develop the respective Supplier Production and Quality Teams to deliver QMS Audit and NCR CAP actions ensuring high performance of Supplier competences and manufacturing controls that consistently deliver samples and production Right First Time that meet all legal and C&A standards for product safety, performance and quality.

Assess as the eyes and ears in the Supplier PU’s and deliver cross function communication that raises awareness of potential issues ‘before the event’ that may compromise product safety, quality and / or delivery.

Proactively monitor Supplier performance indicators and take action to escalate new and reoccurring issues that impact on quality and competence KPI’s.

Manage and provide expert input for new product development under consideration of Manufacturing Control best practise and market trends to ensure product and performance deliverables are met.

Proactively lead, own and take responsibility for all quality related enquiries, issues and give solutions to all respective internal and external business units.

Provide guidance and recommendation on quality and safety issues in order to solve production problems and implement problem shooting and corrective action plans for quality issues during production.

Report, maintain and monitor the Quality IT tools on a regular basis, taking action as and when appropriate to provide root cause analysis and solutions on major quality issues including Final and Shadow Inspection FAILS, customer returns, central store returns etc. as well as capture learnings for best practice sharing.

Deliver Supplier development of QMS Corrective Action Plan Commitments, Shadow Inspection performance reports and NCR Corrective Actions to validate continuous improvements and capability development of PU’s.

Adopt preventative mind set to avoid in sewing issues, inspection and product failure and rejection.

Manage Pre-Production Meetings (PPM) and advise solutions to issues in Manufacturing Control Processes, pre-production planning, suitability of cutting and sewing lines (inc. machinery inventory, attachments and methods), potential risk to quality and approval of pre-production samples.

Train and certify Self Inspection Supplier (SIS) / the respective Supplier Trainer / Inspectors and ensure continuous adherence to C&A quality standards and requirements.

Perform Inspections and quality checks, tests, and sampling procedures of finished product at both PU and the Inspection Centre. Conduct In-line, Final and Shadow Inspections as and when required

KPI´s

Deliver Quality Assurance reports e.G. Supplier Performance, NCR’s nonconformity reports and follow up closely to improve performance of the supply base.

Manage constant performance of Self Inspection Suppliers (SIS) Inspectors based on SIS Suspension

Ensure that before production all it fit for purpose in your respective supply base to ensure safe products with a good workmanship for the customer

Manage the respective KPI’s

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Good knowledge of garment and pattern construction

Strong knowledge of Manufacturing Control Processes, current finishing and engineering techniques

Very Good knowledge of sewing and fabric techniques as well as product safety and quality

Good organisational skills with attention to detail combined with efficient time management, ability to prioritise tasks and enforce execution

Good communication, both written and verbal

Good problem solving and analytical skills as well as critical thinking and solution driven focus including encouraging the same in others with a forward looking mindset

Adaptable with ability to manage and react to change

Good team player skills combined with ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Capable of taking responsibility and knowing when escalation is required

Strong ability to decide and act with the customer in mind

Good knowledge of MS Office Suite, PDM / PLM (Product Data Management / Product Lifecycle Management)

Good command in English, both written and verbal, especially in manufacturing and engineering

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications :

Professional qualifications in Production Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or another related subject

Strong manufacturing knowledge, Quality Management Systems and 8D methodology

Strong knowledge across woven, knit and accessories categories within the supply base