Quality Manager - Cricket Equipment

Job Purpose

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Quality Manager to lead the design, development, and quality control functions of our formal cricket equipment product line under our in-house brand. The ideal candidate must be a cricketer or have a strong cricketing background with hands-on familiarity with all cricket gear. They must possess deep technical knowledge and product insight to ensure we launch world-class, high-performance, and durable products that are perceived as 30-40% better in quality than market alternatives while being cost-effective.

This role combines product quality ownership, new product development, vendor evaluation, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on measurable quality performance.

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Collaborate with sourcing and design teams to conceptualize and refine the full range of cricket gear:
• Batting and Wicketkeeping Gloves
• Leg Guards
• Helmets
• Arm and Thigh Pads
• Kit Bags
• English/Kashmir Willow Bats
• Leather Balls
• Stumps and Bails
• Sweatbands and Safety Guards
• Translate player/user needs into clear, functional, and manufacturable product specifications.
• Benchmark and reverse-engineer best-in-class competitor products.

Quality Management & Assurance

• Develop detailed, measurable quality plans with numerical parameters (e.g., weight, seam alignment, material GSM, rebound test, tensile strength).
• Define quality control SOPs, material standards, finishing checks, and durability criteria.
• Perform physical/tactile evaluations as well as technical inspections.
• Ensure consistency in quality across in-house and outsourced manufacturing.

Outsourced Vendor Quality Oversight

• Scout, evaluate, and finalize reliable vendors.
• Conduct capability audits, facility inspections, and pre-dispatch product testing.
• Ensure adherence to product specs, safety norms, and compliance standards.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with vendor teams.

Product Validation & Trials

• Conduct lab and field testing using professional and semi-professional cricketers.
• Simulate match environments to verify product performance and safety.
• Collect user feedback and iterate for improvement.
• Ensure products comply with BCCI/ICC/CE/BSI standards.

Market Research & Competitive Benchmarking

• Regularly review market trends, customer reviews, material innovations, and global practices.
• Recommend material substitutions or design tweaks to enhance perceived quality.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with production, packaging, marketing, and design teams to align product delivery with brand positioning.
• Support premium packaging and branding initiatives.

Cost & Value Engineering

• Achieve improved product quality perception without compromising margins.
• Identify cost-effective alternatives in materials or processes.
• Contribute to innovation in materials, ergonomics, and sustainability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Background in cricket (former/current player strongly preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Product Design, Sports Technology, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in quality control, R&D, or product development – preferably in sports, consumer goods, or leather products.
• Experience working with cricket gear or sports hard goods is highly desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Deep understanding of cricket gear usage and user expectations.
• Ability to create and enforce numerical, performance-driven quality standards.
• Excellent observational and material analysis skills.
• Working knowledge of Six Sigma, SPC, FMEA, ISO, and QA documentation.
• Hands-on experience with CAD tools and MS Office.
• Analytical thinker with strong documentation and reporting capabilities.
• Willingness to travel for supplier visits, vendor audits, and field testing.

KPIs & Success Metrics

• Product launch success rate and end-user satisfaction scores.
• Reduction in customer complaints and return rates.
• Achievement of 30-40% quality perception improvement benchmark.
• Cost vs. quality optimization.
• Vendor compliance and on-time delivery performance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to ₹1,500,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person