Manager, Quality (Apparel)

Primary Purpose of Org. Unit

Product Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Manage the product quality process to ensure support for the Merchant strategy and store customer satisfaction

Ensure that products shipped are safe, legal, meet buying country specifications, and are fit for purpose.

Total Quality Assurance of products supporting factory selection through to shipment

Analysis and improvement actions from feedback on customer returns and in store product assessments

Production capability and capacity checks to support on-time delivery

Drive sustainable improvement of the production base

Primary Purpose of Position

Understand and contribute towards achieving or exceeding the agreed yearly Goals and Objectives

Support the Manager QA to organize and manage the QA Team workload

Check factories we are working with are audited, capable and meet Walmart's quality, product compliance and safety requirements

Work with factories to ensure shipped product quality meets or exceeds Walmart agreed standards

Identify product risk levels and take actions to minimize product instore and customer challenges

Carry out the QA/QC process of pre-production, in-line, final product reviews, and system audits.

Work with factories to help them continuously improve product quality and sustainability

Carry out continuous improvement projects both internally within Walmart, and externally with the Supply base

Actively contribute ideas and best practices to the Manufacturing Excellence QA Manual

Essential Functions of the Job

Work with the Manager - QA to contribute to completing or exceeding agreed yearly Goals and Objectives

Develop and manage the factory DQA and Quality Team to consistently meet and improve product quality, process execution, and get product right first time

Use the global QA standard operating procedures and data analysis to identify and resolve production quality issues early in the product life cycle

Understand the QA Process, Meeting Charters and KYB Apparel information to be able to mentor new Apparel Associates and support new Supplier and factory onboarding

Carry out product Risk Assessment to identify and carry out timely pre-production and in-line inspections, to support Walmart's quality, product compliance and safety, and delivery objectives

Provide feedback to QA Management on factory capability, audit and improvement

Provide support to Walmart and factory management for products technical challenges.

Support the Manager QA in data analysis for the country/region and creating action plans for improvement

Actively link with other regional QA Teams to complete projects that provide benefit across all regions

Lead and participate in QA Team Projects and Cross Functional Team Project Groups

Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the Job

Focus on achievement, or exceeding, of the agreed yearly Goals and Objectives

Monitor factory performance in terms of quality, delivery, efficiency of execution, focusing on KPIs defined in the yearly Goals and Objectives, including production laboratory test results, final inspection and in store quality monitoring

Complete the Monthly Executive Report updates with Manager - QA, developing action plans for monthly wins for next months time frame to ensure on going improvement

Follow through on execution of factory performance (quality, product compliance and safety, delivery, efficiency, RS and Supply Chain Security, FCCA audit dates), managing corrective action plans with suppliers/factories that are falling short of our KPIs, or that need to improve on RS or SCS challenges.

Develop factory and Supplier DQA skills and abilities to achieve Walmart DQA Certification and be able to:

Use QA tools and processes in line with the global QA standard operating procedures

Identify root causes of problems and resolve them upstream so that quality issues do not adversely affect production

Complete a proper investigation of any failure and write up an executive report when needed

Lead regular DQA meetings/training/briefing sessions to align criteria and share relevant information to factories

Identify and assist resolution of production challenges real time in factories

Work with factories on complex, key item programs to ensure equipment, skill level, and production capacity meet all Walmart needs prior to production, providing issue resolution in factories.

Tackle the root cause of issues in a timely manner, especially related to Instore challenges from Testing, TD reviews, recalls or withdrawals

Work with teams across the world to identify the root causes of challenges and resolve them upstream so that quality and safety issues do not affect production

Provide technical advice where needed, so that potential problems due to design, materials and construction are flagged in a timely manner

Provide timely and relevant product quality, factory capacity and capability information to Sourcing and Cross Functional teams so they can make informed decisions

Support in coordinating RFT council meetings in the region, and attend meetings to give updates on Supplier/factory/country performance.

Work with third party inspection providers to ensure quality control activities are to Walmart QA standards

Corrective Action Plans work with factories to carry out necessary improvements to meet Walmart requirements.

Develop strategically important factories capabilities.

Maintain an accurate factory database.

Ensure Supplier and factory CAPs are updated as changes occur

Share one Hindsighting challenge per season

Assume additional responsibilities and performs special projects as needed or directed

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Other Requirements

Bachelor's or other advanced degrees in Production & quality management, or relevant scientific / technical discipline.

10+ years experience in factory production and quality assurance. Experience working for a retailer, or major brand, importer/agent serving a major retail customer is preferred.

Technical expertise in area of product responsibility and sound knowledge in other product areas product.

Proven experience working in factories in production (shop floor level).

High integrity and business ethics.

Experience in working with retail and direct imports.

Analytical and problem solving ability.

Knowledge of Quality Assurance processes, procedures and best practice.

Highly organized able to deal with multiple activities and meetings with suppliers and factories.

Good communication and persuasive skills.

Good spoken and written English.

Team Player.

Able and willing to travel as required.