General Manager - Quality (12-15 yrs)

General Manager - Quality

Job Description:

1. Quality Strategy Development and Implementation:

- Develop and execute the quality management strategy in alignment with the company's goals and production targets.

- Establish and continuously improve quality policies and procedures to ensure consistent product standards.

- Set quality benchmarks and goals in collaboration with senior management and ensure their alignment with business objectives.

2. Quality Assurance and Control:

- Oversee the implementation of quality assurance systems across all stages of production, from raw material inspection to finished goods.

- Ensure that quality control procedures (e.g., inspection, testing, and audits) are followed throughout the production process.

- Implement preventive actions to reduce the occurrence of defects and corrective actions when issues arise.

- Conduct regular quality audits and inspections to verify compliance with internal and external standards.

3. Customer Satisfaction and Complaint Management:

- Monitor and evaluate customer feedback to identify quality issues and areas for improvement.

- Develop systems to handle customer complaints, ensuring timely resolutions and continuous improvements based on customer insights.

- Maintain a customer-centric quality approach, ensuring that product quality meets or exceeds customer expectations.

4. Process Improvement and Cost Reduction:

- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in quality control processes to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

- Collaborate with the production, R&D, and other departments to implement lean manufacturing principles and reduce defects.

- Develop strategies to optimize product yields, minimize scrap, and reduce the overall cost of quality.

5. Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations:

- Ensure that all products meet the required local and international quality standards, including certifications like ISO, OEKO-TEX, or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

- Keep abreast of industry regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring that the company's quality practices are updated and align with legal standards.

- Lead efforts to secure and maintain quality certifications and accreditations.

6. Supplier Quality Management:

- Oversee the quality management of raw materials and components sourced from suppliers.

- Develop and enforce a supplier quality assurance program, conducting supplier audits, and ensuring that suppliers meet quality expectations.

- Work with the sourcing and procurement teams to ensure consistent supply of quality materials.

- Address any quality issues related to suppliers and work on long-term corrective actions.

7. Data Analysis and Reporting:

- Implement data-driven approaches to track and analyze quality metrics, such as defect rates, rework costs, and customer returns.

- Lead the creation of regular quality reports, providing insights into product quality, process efficiency, and improvement areas.

- Use statistical tools and quality management systems to perform root cause analysis of quality issues.

8. Team Leadership and Development:

- Lead and manage the quality control team, ensuring proper training, motivation, and performance.

- Organize training programs to keep the quality team updated on the latest industry standards, tools, and technologies.

- Foster a culture of quality excellence within the team and across the organization.

9. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:

- Collaborate with production, R&D, design, and marketing teams to ensure product quality is maintained from design to delivery.

- Work closely with the engineering team to implement quality-related improvements in machinery and technology used in the manufacturing process.

- Participate in the new product development process, ensuring that quality is considered at every stage of development.

10. Risk Management and Problem-Solving:

- Identify potential quality risks and implement mitigation strategies to prevent issues in production.

- Lead problem-solving initiatives related to quality issues and collaborate with teams to resolve them effectively.

- Implement robust contingency plans in case of quality deviations or emergencies.

11. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations:

- Work with the sustainability team to ensure that quality standards align with environmental and sustainability goals.

- Promote the use of sustainable materials and environmentally friendly processes in the production of textiles.

- Ensure that the company adheres to sustainable quality practices, minimizing environmental impact.

12. Innovation and Technology Integration:

- Stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and tools in textile quality control.

- Promote the use of advanced technologies like automated inspection systems, machine learning, or artificial intelligence to improve quality control.

- Implement new technologies or systems to enhance product quality and streamline quality management processes.

13. Cost of Quality Management:

- Control and manage the cost of quality (CoQ), including prevention costs, appraisal costs, and internal/external failure costs.

- Develop and implement strategies to minimize quality-related costs by improving efficiency and reducing defects.

14. Product Testing and Certification:

- Oversee the testing of materials and finished products for key attributes (e.g., durability, colorfastness, shrinkage, tensile strength).

- Ensure all products meet relevant safety and performance standards (e.g., fire retardant, non-toxic finishes).

- Coordinate third-party testing and certification as required by markets or regulatory bodies.