Product Sourcing and Quality Assurance Specialist

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced, self-driven Product Sourcing and Quality Assurance Specialist with prior experience in Gift & Premium sourcing and product development. The role involves end-to-end management of sourcing diverse premium products, including metal, fabric, paper, and plastic items used in direct mailing packages. The specialist will be responsible for supplier identification, product development, production management, and rigorous quality control to ensure timely delivery and high standards. Experience in sourcing from other Asian countries will be considered an advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Sourcing:

• Source a wide range of premium products such as:
• Metal items: key chains, medallions, coin-shaped products, religious ornaments (rosaries, chaplets, pendants, necklaces).
• Fabric products: T-shirts, dish towels, tea towels, fleece products, scarves, socks, gloves, eyeglass cleaning cloths (polyester, microfiber, cotton).
• Paper products: printed materials, paper components for packaging.
• Plastic products: cutters, utility tools, pens.
• Identify and engage export-oriented manufacturers capable of high-volume, cost-effective, quality production.
• Approach both direct manufacturers and trading companies for product development and sourcing.
• Leverage extensive knowledge of sourcing locations and processes across India and other Asian countries to optimize cost and product quality.
• Attend trade shows to develop new products and identify new suppliers.

Vendor Management and Product Development:

• Develop products based on samples and artwork with both small and large vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, production timelines, and contracts.
• Conduct pre-production meetings with vendors.
• Maintain and expand a reliable network of manufacturers.

Production Management:

• Oversee the entire production process from raw material to finished goods.
• Check yarn/fabric bleaching, dyeing, and curing for natural fabrics, and specifications for man-made fabrics.
• Understand and resolve production impracticalities.
• Apply technical knowledge of metal, fabric, paper, and plastic product manufacturing.
• Monitor in-process production to ensure adherence to quality standards and schedules.
• Conduct final quality checks before product dispatch.

Quality Assurance:

• Implement rigorous quality control measures across all production stages.
• Perform regular inspections, sample evaluations, and production approvals.
• Manage in-line and final inspections, documenting SOPs and approvals for print, embroidery, wash, etc.
• Approve incoming materials and finished goods through detailed visual and measurement tests.
• Train production teams on quality standards and monitor QA/QC performance.
• Resolve quality issues promptly and efficiently.
• Maintain thorough documentation of inspections, quality plans, and reports.

Operational Excellence:

• Coordinate closely with design and logistics teams for smooth product development and shipment.
• Independently resolve sourcing, production, and quality challenges.
• Prepare and deliver regular production and quality status reports.
• Participate in evening calls to collaborate with creative teams in the US/Europe and offices across Asia (HK/Malaysia).

Key Requirements:

• Qualified in Supply Chain Management, Production, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in product sourcing, production management, and quality assurance.
• Prior experience in Gift & Premium product sourcing and development is essential.
• Sourcing experience from other Asian countries is a strong advantage.
• In-depth knowledge of Indias and Asia s manufacturing hubs and sourcing destinations.
• Technical expertise across products made of fabric, metal, paper, and plastic.
• Certification in relevant production and quality control processes (preferred).
• Strong understanding of dyeing, printing, polymer and yarn-to-fabric processes, and stitching technical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and make decisive judgments.
• Willingness to travel within India and attend trade shows for vendor development and product sourcing.
• Proficient in MS Office and sourcing management tools.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work with a dynamic, growth-oriented organization.
• Exposure to sourcing and quality assurance across diverse product categories.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package