Quality Control Manager

In Otto International, It starts with us; Our outstanding products and services are made possible by our most valuable resource: our people. It is their skills, passion, and precision that empower our excellent, customer-centric solutions.

The Quality Control Manager is responsible for leading and managing the comprehensive quality control system across the company's diverse product portfolio, encompassing apparel, hardgoods, and footwear. This role ensures that all products consistently meet or exceed industry regulations, customer expectations, and internal quality standards.

The QC Manager collaborates closely with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams to implement, maintain, and continuously improve quality control processes throughout the supply chain. Key objectives include minimizing customer and market rejections, enhancing overall product quality, and driving a culture of quality excellence.

This role leads the quality control function in a cost-effective manner, ensuring that all merchandise aligns with established customer quality requirements and contributes to the overall success and reputation of the Oi partnership’s brands.

How will you make a difference?

Production Quality Control

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality control protocols covering raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
• Establish and maintain QC standards and procedures that comply with international standards (AQL) and specific customer requirements.
• Provide training and updates to vendors and the QC team on evolving customer quality standards and best practices.
• Lead the QC team in monitoring bulk production quality, ensuring products adhere to design specifications, craftsmanship standards, and customer expectations.
• Proactively track quality issues during production, conduct thorough root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).

Vendor Quality Management

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of vendors' quality management systems through factory assessments and performance tracking. Recommend and advise on system improvements and upgrades, including machinery.
• Evaluate existing and new vendors based on key performance indicators (KPIs). Guide the team in collaborating with factories to implement corrective actions and provide training to ensure adherence to quality requirements.
• Strive to minimize customer rejection rates and market inspection failures through proactive quality management.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and guide the QC team's activities, including production follow-up, inspections, and factory assessments, to ensure high productivity and technical integrity.
• Assign task forces to address specific quality challenges and monitor their performance.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to QC team members.
• Evaluate individual team member skills (both technical and soft skills). Develop and implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to support continuous professional growth.
• Plan team development activities and manage career and succession planning.
• Champion the Otto Group's anti-corruption guidelines across the business to minimize potential risk areas.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect and analyze quality data (e.g., defect rates, return rates) to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular, comprehensive quality reports for management, highlighting key performance indicators and areas of concern.
• Develop and propose data-driven quality improvement plans to mitigate risks and enhance product quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with design, procurement, production, and sales teams to ensure alignment of quality goals with overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with merchandising, QA, and fabric management teams to ensure operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.

Who we are looking for?

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the garment or textile industry, with at least 5 years in a quality control management role, preferably within the apparel sector.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Textile Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of garment production processes, quality control methodologies, and international quality standards (e.g., AQL, ISO 9001). Knowledge of hardgoods and shoe production is a plus.
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control systems across the supply chain.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a team of quality control professionals, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset, capable of identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong planning, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
• Experience with vendor management, factory audits, and supplier relationship management.