Specialist, Materials Quality, Apparel

Key Purpose of This Role:

Material & Fabric Quality Assurance

• Review and validate material specifications, ensuring alignment with brand quality standards.
• Evaluate fabric construction, yarn quality, dyeing methods, finishing processes, and material performance.
• Conduct hands‑on fabric inspections, identifying defects related to shade, GSM, finishing, texture, and performance.
• Apply material‑specific inspection techniques to detect quality risks early in the supply chain.
   

Supplier Engagement & Capability Development

• Partner closely with T2 suppliers (textile mills, dyeing and finishing houses) to align on quality expectations.
• Perform supplier capability evaluations, process audits, and risk assessments.
• Lead process control and continuous improvement initiatives across upstream manufacturing.
• Confidently challenge, guide, and support suppliers to improve quality, compliance, and sustainability performance.
   

Cross‑Functional & Vendor Collaboration

• Act as a technical bridge between T1 garment vendors and T2 material suppliers.
• Initiate and lead technical discussions, negotiations, follow‑ups, and corrective action alignment.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with development, sourcing, quality, and sustainability teams.
   

Problem Solving & Reporting

• Conduct root cause analysis for quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Utilize quality tools and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Deliver clear, accurate inspection reports and quality documentation.
• Monitor supplier compliance with sourcing standards and regulatory requirements.
   

Qualifications & Knowledge
 

Education

• Degree or diploma in Textiles, Apparel Manufacturing, or related technical fields preferred.
• Technical education in textile engineering, apparel production, or material science is a strong advantage.
   

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of garment components, textile production processes, and quality standards.
• Knowledge equivalent to apparel or clothing quality inspection standards.
• Familiarity with T1-T2 sourcing processes, compliance requirements, and supplier audit practices.
   

Experience

• 2-3 years of experience in textile production, fabric quality control, or material QA.
• Hands‑on background in fabric inspection (shade, defects, GSM, dyeing, finishing).
• Experience in supplier quality engineering, supplier audits, or material‑focused QA roles preferred.
• Exposure to textile mills, dyeing houses, knitting/weaving, and finishing facilities is highly desirable.
   

Skills & Competencies

• Strong root cause analysis and problem‑solving capability.
• Excellent inspection, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to enforce, elevate, and influence supplier quality standards.
• Effective cross‑functional communication and stakeholder management.
• Confident in driving supplier accountability while maintaining collaborative partnerships.
• Structured thinker with strong process control and analytical skills.