About the position
Role Summary
9 Months Fixed Term Contract
The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and driving a commercially aligned quality assurance strategy across Babywear, Boyswear, and Children's Footwear categories. The role ensures products meet defined quality, safety, fit, durability, and compliance standards from development through to store performance. This position safeguards brand reputation, customer safety, and margin through proactive risk management and supplier capability uplift.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
Diploma or Degree in Garment Technology, Footwear Technology, Clothing Production, Quality Management or related field
5-8+ years' experience in apparel and/or footwear quality management
Demonstrated experience in children's product safety compliance
Strong understanding of footwear construction and bonding processes
Proven track record of reducing defects and improving supplier performance
Experience working with local and international suppliers
Proficiency in MS Office and quality reporting systems
Willingness to travel to suppliers and retail stores as required
Reliable own transport and smartphone
Competencies
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
High technical credibility across apparel and footwear
Commercial acumen and risk awareness
Analytical and root cause problem-solving mindset
Strategic thinking with continuous improvement focus
Resilience and sound decision-making under pressure
Credibility, integrity, and accountability
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management & Category Ownership
Own end-to-end quality performance across Babywear, Boyswear, and Children's Footwear.
Implement and maintain robust QA and QC systems across development and production.
Establish and enforce category-specific technical standards and construction guidelines.
Drive reduction in defects, returns, and customer complaints.
Maintain category risk registers and mitigation plans.
Children's Product Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with local and international children's product safety regulations.
Oversee flammability, chemical compliance, small parts testing, drawcord safety, and labelling standards.
Manage laboratory testing protocols and approvals.
Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe product.
Testing, Standards & Technical Governance
Define and monitor AQL standards across all categories.
Oversee garment and footwear testing including shrinkage, colour fastness, seam strength, sole bond strength, flex testing, abrasion, hydrolysis risk, and slip resistance.
Review lab reports and conduct root cause analysis.
Drive corrective and preventative action plans.
Footwear Technical Oversight & Industry Advancement
Oversee last development, grading integrity, and fit consistency.
Ensure bonding process control and component durability standards.
Evaluate outsole compounds and long-term material performance.
Monitor and evaluate emerging footwear machinery, automation, and sustainable manufacturing technologies.
Advise on adoption of new technologies that enhance quality and consistency.
Fit Strategy & Competitive Benchmarking
Lead structured fit sessions and wear trials.
Monitor evolving anatomical and fit trends in children's apparel and footwear.
Conduct regular competitor benchmarking on quality, fit, construction, and durability.
Present benchmarking insights and improvement actions to Buying and Sourcing.
Supplier & Production Collaboration
Act as key liaison between Design, Buying, Sourcing, and Manufacturing.
Conduct technical factory audits and capability assessments.
Develop and deliver supplier training aligned to company expectations in quality, sustainability, and compliance.
Drive continuous improvement and supplier performance management.
Store-Level Quality Integration
Conduct store visits to assess real-life product performance.
Analyse returns data and customer complaints to identify systemic issues.
Close the feedback loop between stores and the support office.
Sustainability & Ethical Alignment
Partner with sourcing and sustainability teams on compliant material selection.
Evaluate sustainable substitutions without compromising durability or safety.
Ensure supplier adherence to ethical and legal standards.
Leadership & Reporting
Lead QA team performance where applicable.
Coach internal teams and suppliers on quality best practice.
Maintain accurate quality records, reports, and corrective action logs.
Track and report category-specific quality KPIs.
Quantify cost of poor quality and recommend mitigation strategies.
Closing date - 03 March 2026
