QA Manager

The QA Manager will be responsible for quality systems and the establishment and

maintenance of a "total quality" culture ensuring that the company has high quality

standards, efficient systems, and effective policies and procedures in each part of

its operations.

Key responsibilities

1. Quality Systems / Management

• Regular reviews of internal systems and processes to ensure information flow is efficient and “watertight”
• Regular updates of procedures manual and staff training across all departments.
• Attend and minute Trading Meetings and Management Team Meetings; monitor follow up / results to deadlines
• Analyse complaints, both internal and external, to find the root cause of problems and come up with ways to prevent future occurrences
• ISO9001/2, SA 8000 or similar; set up systems to reach the standard and then maintain and update
• Design a TQM programme and train all staff and suppliers to follow it
• Occasional overseas client visits to understand how the company can provide better quality/customer service; set up system to monitor customer feedback on company quality/customer service
• Establish and manage internal performance rating system, ie by department or individual
• Define training and personal development needs
• Set up computerised system for shared documents

2. Quality Assurance

• Responsible for all QA/QC/Ethical Trading policies and activities
• Represent company in all customer meetings relating to quality, ethical, systems, procedures
• Quality and Safety standards in target markets and produce simplified versions of these standards to enable non-native English speakers to understand their concepts and provide training where necessary to relevant staff
• Product risk assessment, esp regarding Child safety
• Factory audit programme with deadlines for core suppliers to reach company/client technical & ethical standards
• Monitor quality from all core suppliers (including failure analysis)
• Develop and implement Factory Rating System
• Prepare and maintain a Quality Manual to cover company activities from Product Development to Despatch

The QAM will report to the Quality Director

The Candidate

The ideal person will be energetic, bright, enthusiastic and well organized. They must also keep the merchandising and QC teams motivated and enthused but at the same time imposing the necessary disciplines to ensure that products are manufactured to the appropriate standards and shipped on time. Frequent travel will be required to visit factories, review samples and monitor production.

Key position/person features:

-         manage product development department

-         QA/QC experience

-         ISO9001/2 and TQM experience

-         well organized, yet flexible

-         handle large volume of projects

-         interact comfortably with subordinates as well as boss

      -    contribute ideas and solutions

-         good man-management and interpersonal skills

-         good English