The Opportunity
An established international textile and apparel manufacturing group is seeking a commercially minded Head of Quality Assurance to lead quality assurance, laboratory operations, and fabric/trims inspection activities within its China operation.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who understands the realities of modern textile manufacturing — balancing customer expectations, production pressures, technical compliance, supplier performance, and continuous improvement across a fast-moving environment.
The successful candidate will serve as the key quality leader across laboratory operations, quality systems, customer audits, and corrective action management, working closely with production, sourcing, technical, and commercial teams.
The business is investing in the future of digital quality management. Exposure to AI tools, automation, and data-driven quality systems will therefore be critical for candidates looking to make a long-term impact in this role.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who understands the realities of modern textile manufacturing — balancing customer expectations, production pressures, technical compliance, supplier performance, and continuous improvement across a fast-moving environment.
The successful candidate will serve as the key quality leader across laboratory operations, quality systems, customer audits, and corrective action management, working closely with production, sourcing, technical, and commercial teams.
The business is investing in the future of digital quality management. Exposure to AI tools, automation, and data-driven quality systems will therefore be critical for candidates looking to make a long-term impact in this role.
The Company
The business is a globally connected textile and manufacturing group supplying performance-driven materials and products to international apparel and footwear customers. Its China operation is critical to product quality, technical development, customer compliance, and supply-chain execution across performance and lifestyle categories. The organisation combines manufacturing capability with innovation, technical development, and operational scale across international markets.
The business is a globally connected textile and manufacturing group supplying performance-driven materials and products to international apparel and footwear customers. Its China operation is critical to product quality, technical development, customer compliance, and supply-chain execution across performance and lifestyle categories. The organisation combines manufacturing capability with innovation, technical development, and operational scale across international markets.
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Quality Assurance
- Lead all laboratory, fabric and trim inspection, and QA activities across the operation.
- Ensure robust quality management systems are aligned with international standards and buyer requirements.
- Analyse quality failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions across the production and supplier network.s
- Drive measurable reductions in defect rates and quality-related claims
- Lead customer-facing quality communication, including audits, escalations, and performance reviews
- Partner closely with production, sourcing, technical, and development teams to ensure consistent execution of buyer standards
- Build and develop high-performing QA and laboratory teams through coaching, training, and accountability
- Oversee testing protocols, audit readiness, compliance processes, and reporting systems
- Use data analytics and fact-based decision-making to improve operational performance
- Challenge inefficient processes and supplier practices to strengthen overall quality performance
- Support the digital transformation of QA and LAB operations, including the adoption of AI-driven tools and automation technologies
Critical Requirements
- Strong QA and laboratory leadership experience within the textile, apparel, footwear, or performance materials industry
- Proven experience managing quality teams, customer audits, and buyer-facing quality escalations
- Strong technical understanding of fabric testing, inspection standards, defect analysis, and corrective action systems
- Demonstrated ability to operate within complex manufacturing environments under commercial and operational pressure
- Data-driven, analytical approach to decision-making with a continuous improvement mindset
- Experience using reporting systems, quality analytics, or digital quality management tools
- Exposure to AI tools, automation technologies, or digital transformation initiatives within QA or manufacturing operations
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across technical and non-technical teams
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams while maintaining accountability and operational standards
- Fluency in English is essential; Mandarin capability would be advantageous
- Candidates currently based in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan are strongly preferred, though relocation to China will be considered for the right individual
Why This Role?
This opportunity offers genuine influence across quality strategy, customer relationships, manufacturing performance, and operational transformation.
This role is for a senior QA leader with technical depth and strong commercial judgment who is excited about the future of digital quality management in advanced textile manufacturing.
Senior quality leaders with experience in textile manufacturing are encouraged to apply.
