Textiles Product Quality and Assurance Manager

Job Description 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, 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 Textiles Product Quality and Assurance Manager to lead our efforts in maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety across our product lines. The Role: Reporting to the Head of Textiles, the Textiles Quality and Assurance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the overall quality and safety of our textile products, including clothing and home goods. The role involves implementing and updating quality control processes, test protocol and ensuring regulatory and product compliance standards are met. Working closely with suppliers and internal teams who will drive continuous improvement and risk reduction within the business. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in textile manufacturing, safety compliance and quality assurance practices. Primary Responsibilities Quality, Safety, Compliance Management: Responsible for maintaining and overseeing the Dunnes Stores quality assurance process and portal test system for textile products with a strong focus on safety compliance. Direct the quality teams to deliver consistent high quality standards across product, presentation, testing, certification and labelling while ensuring critical path deadlines are met. 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 and implementation. Where quality and safety issue arise, engage with suppliers at senior level to resolve, agree and implement immediate corrective action plan. Establish and maintain safety and quality standards and benchmark for textile and home products. Work with the quality team to analyse returns to understand and action reasons for returns and customer feedback on product quality and safety. Implement ongoing quality inspections in stores and warehouse arrival where required and on a targeted basis. Supplier Management & Performance Monitoring: Manage, map and monitor the supplier network, providing detailed insights and metrics on supplier performance for quality, RTM and safety. Maintain a business ranking system based on key metrics, measuring suppliers performance for quality and safety. Develop relationships with key suppliers to drive improvements across product quality and performance. Work with the department heads and collaborate with suppliers to drive improvements in delivered product quality and safety through regular audits and assessments of suppliers. Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of quality assurance and safety compliance 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, design and buying to ensure alignment on quality and safety goals. Communicate quality and safety performance to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations for improvement. 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 Opportunities Employer