Children's Quality, Fit, Product and Assurance Manager

Job Description Children's Quality, Fit, Product and Assurance Manager Dunnes Stores is Ireland's leading retailer positioned at the cutting edge of food, fashion and home retailing. With a strong focus on quality and safety we are dedicated to maintaining our position as a market leader. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a passionate and experienced Children's Quality, Fit, Product and Assurance Manager to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are achieved across all product categories. The Role: Reporting to the Quality, Product and Assurance Manager and working with the Head of Childrenswear, you will be responsible for all areas of technical function including fit, quality, safety compliance and testing of children's products to include clothing, toys, accessories and footwear. The role involves implementing and updating quality control processes around garment functionality and fit. Ensuring regulatory and product compliance standards are met and working closely with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous improvement and risk reduction within the department. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in garment manufacturing, childrenswear safety compliance and quality assurance practices. Primary Responsibilities Quality, Safety Compliance Management: Oversee the garment tech function, lead a team and collaborate with design, buying, and supplier production teams. Your leadership will be key to ensuring that the entire product lifecycle runs smoothly and efficiently within fixed timelines. Set up standardised blocks for key lines and implement best practices for grading, spec creation, and sample processes. Your expertise will guide the creation of accurate size specs and ensure that newness and innovation are consistently brought into the business. Ensure final products meet the highest standards of quality, safety and fit. Oversee test portal management, care labelling and quality control processes to ensure products meet performance and aesthetic expectations at all times. Determine the strategic direction of the garment tech function, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve garment quality and mitigate risk at all times. Where necessary assess customer returns, investigate high returning styles and bring solutions to minimise associated costs. Support and educate suppliers to achieve consistent quality and fit across a global supply base. Possess expert knowledge assessing lab test reports, provide problem solving solutions and commercial decisions when required to ensure all products are fit for purpose and end use. Ensure appropriate risk assessments are carried out within the garment history file on each product to identify and document potential risks and corrective actions taken where necessary. Lead investigations and resolution of quality and safety issues, including root cause analysis, corrective action planning and implementation. Collaborate with product development teams to ensure that quality and safety is integrated into the design and development process. Where quality and safety issue arise, engage with suppliers at senior level to resolve, and implement immediate corrective action plan. Establish and maintain safety and quality standards across industry benchmarks. Monitor customer returns and agree solutions to improve performance, product quality and safety. Manage quality inspections in stores and arrival in warehouse on an ongoing basis. Qualifications and Experience Relevant qualification in Textiles Technology, Apparel & Quality Management, etc. Minimum of 5 years' relevant working experience with children's clothing in garment fitting, production, inspection and quality control. (Knits / Woven). Expert knowledge and of children's product safety regulations and requirements across all aspects of garment design, construction and production. A responsive and self-motivated person; able to work multiple tasks under pressure and manage multiple deadlines. Excellent communication skills; capable of building strong relationships with the team and communicating effectively with internal and external parties. Detail and result oriented with strong problem-solving skills capable of working independently, self-motivated, responsible, well-organized and willing to learn. Strong capability in building technical specification file from design sketch. Strong knowledge of textile production processes, materials, and quality control methods. 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 Opportunities Employer