Quality Assurance Lead

At Passenger Clothing we have an exciting new role to join our team. As one of the fastest growing brands in the Outdoor sector, we are recruiting for a key role to drive the quality of our products. We’re passionate about escapism, connection and the wellbeing of ourselves and the environment. Passenger’s culture embraces diversity and we have a great team culture. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for the outdoors and protecting the planet, while building something unique and authentic.

As a Quality Assurance Lead, you’ll play a key role in maintaining the product quality liaising with both internal teams and the vendors. This role reports into Procurement Manager.

Location: New Forest

Job Type: Full-time / Hybrid

About the Role:

As a Quality Assurance Specialist at Passenger Clothing, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the excellence of our products throughout their lifecycle. You will be responsible for overseeing production approvals, maintaining stringent quality assurance standards, establishing robust quality assurance and quality control processes, and managing product returns effectively. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of quality in outdoor apparel.

Responsibilities & KPIs:

• Production Approvals:

  • Review and approve pre-production samples to ensure they meet established quality standards, including fabric quality, construction, and workmanship and measurement specs.

  • Collaborate closely with vendors to address any quality issues and ensure timely resolution.

  • Collaborate with vendor quality control to conduct on-site inspections at production facilities to verify adherence to quality standards and specifications.
    

• Production Quality Assurance:

  • Implement and execute comprehensive quality assurance procedures throughout the production process, including in-line inspections and final product audits.

  • Identify and address any deviations from quality standards, working closely with production teams to implement corrective actions.

  • Monitor production timelines to ensure timely delivery without compromising quality.
    

• Building Quality Assurance & Quality Control Processes:

  • Develop and implement robust quality assurance and quality control processes to enhance product quality and consistency.

  • Establish clear criteria for evaluating product quality at each stage of production, from raw materials to finished goods.

  • Continuously assess and improve quality assurance & quality control procedures based on feedback, industry best practices, and evolving business needs.

  • Provide training and support to production teams and suppliers to ensure understanding and compliance with quality assurance standards and processes.
    

• Define Passenger Test Standards and Maintain Testing Manual:

  • Establish comprehensive test standards and protocols for evaluating material and product quality, performance, and durability across all product categories.

  • Develop and maintain a testing manual outlining testing procedures, protocols, and acceptance criteria for various stages of product development and production.

  • Ensure adherence to testing standards and procedures by internal teams, vendors, and third-party testing agencies.

  • Evaluate materials/trims selected for product development against the Passenger testing standards and ensure its follow through to bulk production.
    

•  Collaboration with Tier 1 and Tier 2 Vendors:

  • Foster strong relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors to ensure alignment with Passenger Clothing's quality standards and specifications.

  • Coordinate with vendors to address any quality concerns or discrepancies, and work together to implement corrective actions and process improvements.

  • Collaborate with vendors on product development initiatives, providing input and guidance on quality requirements and testing protocols.
    

• Manage Wearer Trials/Testing Program:

  • Maintain wearer testing programs and oversee wearer trials to evaluate product performance in real-world conditions and gather feedback from end-users.

  • Coordinate the recruitment of wear testers and manage the distribution and collection of test garments.

  • Analyse wear test results and feedback to identify areas for product improvement and inform future product development initiatives.
    

• Returns Management:

  • Monitor and analyse product returns data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies to minimise returns.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including logistics, customer service and product development/garment technology, to address quality issues and implement corrective actions.

  • Track and report on return trends to inform future product development and quality improvement efforts.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a design/garment technology, quality management, textile technology, or a related discipline.

• Proven experience in a fabric or garment quality assurance role within the apparel industry, preferably in outdoor or lifestyle brands.

• Strong understanding of quality control methodologies/protocols, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.

• Experience working with performance/outdoor fabrics and a thorough understanding of their performance and quality standards.

• Demonstrated ability to define test standards and maintain testing manuals.

• Experience managing wearer trials/testing programs would be advantageous.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including internal stakeholders and external vendors.

• Track record of developing and implementing QA processes and procedures.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry certifications related to apparel quality and safety.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and effectively manage multiple priorities.

What We Offer

• A culture of freedom, flexibility, and trust.

• Exciting career development possibilities.

• Escapism is serious business for us, we practice what we preach.

• Our HQ is in the New Forest, 5 minutes from the sea. We have a bar, pizza ovens and regular social meetups.

• Typical Hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm 5 days a week, with 1 hour for lunch.

• Location: Hybrid Remote with minimum 1 x meet-up at HQ a month.

• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays + a day for your birthday.

• Generous staff discount and Headspace subscription.

• Annual Salary: Competitive and based on level of experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other factors.