Head of Textiles Product Quality and Compliance

Dunnes Stores is Ireland’s leading retailer positioned at the cutting edge of food, fashion and home retailing. We are known for offering a wide range of high-quality products to our customers. With a strong focus on innovation, customer experience, compliance and sustainability, we are dedicated to maintaining our position as a market leader. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a passionate and experienced Head of Textiles Product Quality and Compliance to lead our efforts in maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability across our product lines.

The Role:

The Head of Textiles Product Quality and Compliance will be responsible for overseeing the overall quality compliance and sustainability of our textile products, including clothing and home goods. This role involves developing and implementing quality control processes, ensuring compliance with environmental and social sustainability standards, and working closely with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in textile manufacturing, compliance, quality assurance, and sustainability practices.

Primary ResponsibilitiesQuality, Safety and Compliance Management:

• Manage the comprehensive Dunnes Stores quality assurance processes and systems for textile products with a strong focus on safety.
• Monitor and evaluate product quality at all stages of the production process, from raw material sourcing to finished goods.
• Collaborate with product development teams to ensure that quality and safety is integrated into the design and development process.
• Lead investigations and resolution of quality and safety issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Establish and maintain safety and quality standards, benchmarks, and KPIs for textile products.
• Use customer feedback as part of the quality, safety, and compliance management

Supplier Management & Performance Monitoring:

• Manage comprehensive mapping and profiling of the textile supplier network, providing detailed insights and high-level metrics on supplier performance and capacity.
• Maintain a business ranking system based on key metrics, identifying top-performing suppliers and proactively addressing any risks or areas of underperformance.
• Ensure all suppliers meet Dunnes Stores’ stringent ethical and environmental standards through rigorous safety audits and compliance checks.
• Work with the department heads to collaborate with suppliers to drive improvements in product quality and sustainability through regular audits and assessments of suppliers.
• Foster strong supplier relationships, working closely with department heads to drive improvements in reliability, responsiveness, and efficiency.
• Oversee the onboarding process for new suppliers, ensuring thorough documentation, background checks, and factory inspections.

Sustainability Leadership:

• Maintain the Dunnes Stores Textiles sustainability programmes for textile products
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and certifications.
• Work closely with suppliers to promote sustainable practices, including the use of eco-friendly materials, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
• Lead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of textile production, including water usage, chemical management, and carbon footprint reduction.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainability, and integrate these into the company’s operations.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of quality assurance, compliance and sustainability professionals.
• Foster a culture of customer focus with continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
• Set clear goals and expectations for the team, providing regular feedback and performance evaluations.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, sourcing, merchandising, and marketing, to ensure alignment on quality and sustainability goals.
• Communicate quality and sustainability performance to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including customers, NGOs, and industry bodies, to promote the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Quality Management, Sustainability, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in textile quality assurance and/or sustainability, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of textile production processes, materials, and quality control methods.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies in the textile industry.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications, such as GOTS, Oeko-Tex, Fair Trade, etc.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Commitment to staying current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in quality and sustainability.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and vision
• Leadership and team development
• Attention to detail and a commitment to excellence
• Strong ethical values and commitment to sustainability
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including employee discounts
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• A dynamic and inclusive work environment focused on sustainability and innovation

Dunnes Stores is an equal opportunity employer.

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