General Manager - Quality (Vendor Quality Lead)

The VKR supports Gap International Sourcing (GSS) Quality initiatives from the vendor perspective process monitoring, evaluation of product capability, performance reporting and benchmarking of best practices. The VKR performs human resource management of quality related teams including hiring and training. i.e. Factory Key Representative (FKR) and Designated Auditor (DA). The VKR is responsible to ensure all the bulk production is aligned with the approved sample and specifications across all factories. VKR quality performance is measured through the Quality Performance indicators, FKR performance and In-Market Escalations.

GAP Experience in Mandatory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

VKR responsibility:

• Work proactively with both vendor and factories toensure product quality is built in starting from sample development to shipment.

• Coordinate functions; i.e. factory merchandisers and fitting technician, in the product development process.

• Focus on key style & high risk style throughout production process.

• Use GSS QA Knowledge Runway courses and resources in Gap Source Library (GSL) for internal training to ensure FKR and all quality related staffs perform as per latest GSS requirement.

• Review FKR performance on a regular basis (every 6 months). Drives a culture of continuous improvement.

• Frequently travel to each factory and reviews the production floor on a regular basis.

• Ensure COO/Factory/Ship Cancel Date/Quantity are correct in Key Style List in smart sheet and distribute it to FKRs and relevant team members.

• Track all key style GPT test reports.

• Follow up on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action Plans (CAP) with FKR.

• Set up succession plan for VKR and FKR.

• Conduct exit interview for FKR to highlight issues and reduce turnover rate.

• When there is no FKR, VKR should perform all the FKR responsibilities as per FKR Job Description (JD)

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Internal Contacts (report to VP/Owner/General Manager/CEO)

• Vendor Tech Design Team

• Safety Line Review Focal/ Product Safety Officer

• Testing technician

• Factory/Production manager, Sales manager

• QA or QC department

• Production department

• Washing technician

• Industrial Engineer, mechanic, sample room

• Merchandiser

• Purchasing department

2. External Contacts

• GSS Quality team and Vendor Development Team (VD)

• 3rd party inspectors

• Sub-contracting section QA representative, e.g. printing house, embroidery house or washing mills, fabric mill.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Thorough understanding of Gap Inc COBC protocols, Gap Source Library (GSL) and QA Knowledge Runway.

• Communication skills both written and verbal in English and able to communicate with FKR effectively.

• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing and quality processes in relative product category

• Solid industry knowledge including market trends and new industry technology.

• Ability to create reports, provide analysis and recommendations to improve quality

• Strong risk management and trouble shooting skills;

• Ability to influence all levels of factory management

• Ability to supervise and train staffs

2. Minimum educational and experience

• 8 years quality management role in related product

• Senior level factory operations experience; or factory + buying office experience

• Staff management and supervising experience across broad geographical area.

GAP experience is Mandatory.