SO, WHAT'S THE STORY
Dr. Martens is an incredible growth story of an iconic brand throughout the decades evolving into the inspiring range we have today. The Quality and Compliance (Q&C) team are pivotal to the success of our products in the market and ensuring customer satisfaction.
The Q&C Team is incredibly passionate team with a high skill level, a very interactive team to work with who deeply care about continuing the journey and focus on our high standards.
As Head of Quality you'll play a key role leading the Quality pillar within the Q&C team, continuously raising the bar throughout DM's and ensuring our products continue to be durable, high quality and fit for purpose.
You will work with the Director of Quality & Compliance and wider management team to co-create and deliver the Quality strategy. You'll lead the central team who will manage all process, policy and procedures related to quality.
In addition to having significant experience in quality best practice and footwear, you will be an inspiring people leader with experience developing an engaged, inclusive, and high performing team both directly and indirectly to your line management.
THE GIG
Strategy and Leadership
Build a comprehensive global quality programme of proactive and reactive measures delivered through robust processes and clearly documented procedures for our factories and distribution centres (DCs).
- Lead a central team of quality professionals and ensure that they are set up for success according to their responsibilities. Ensure they feel inspired, have clear goals that are aligned to the Q&C strategy and have regular performance, development and feedback conversations.
- Manage the Inspection process in the factories the IT system and auditing programme, including auditors annual check.
- Build robust processes and training programme for the returns inspection programme of QA team in DCs.
Standardise
Document creation and control create and maintain RACIs, flow charts and SOPs for team, factories and DCs to drive consistency within our quality process.
- Standardise Quality related documentation, aligning globally through clear process, policy and procedures.
- Ensure that all issues are documented, resolved and preventative actions put in place.
Measure
Identify inefficiencies and implement robust solutions to consistently improve quality.
- Analyse customer feedback and returns feedback from our 3 regions (EMEA/Americas/APAC) to design and implement quick response actions to improve quality in production.
- Build KPI's and triggers to guarantee a quick response to any quality issues detected.
Implement and communicate
Visit the factories on a regular basis to ensure alignment of quality processes and implementation of preventative measures.
- Create transparency and a high level of communication of topics and solutions internally to Q&C but also amongst stakeholders. Ensure preventative learning mechanisms are in place.
- Work closely with the engineering function to embed quality into manufacturing SOPs to solidify process for all.
THE STUFF THAT SETS YOU APART
- Degree in Quality Management or related topic (Master's degree holder preferrable)
- Significant experience (c.15 years+) designing, implementing and managing quality processes in Footwear or Apparel brands; an in-depth knowledge of root cause analysis and delivering the associated action plans
- A strong people leader leading teams across multiple countries / regions, encouraging best practice and alignment
- Experienced in footwear production and laboratory processes and procedures required
- Preferable experience in ISO 9001 Quality management systems, TQM, Lean Six Sigma A critical thinker with strong analytical skills and statistical application; the ability to present information clearly to a variety of audiences
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills. Embracing the complexities of a matrixed organisation, excelling through ability to collaborate, speak with transparency and build relationships
- Experience designing and delivering training (including train the trainer)
- Excellent English, Chinese will be an advantage
- Eligibility to work in Vietnam without a work permit
We live and breathe Rebellious Self Expression at Dr. Martens, and there are 3 core values at the heart of it. They never stand alone, but work together as a balancing act of rights and responsibilities to support how we work together at DMs. BE YOURSELF. ACT COURAGEOUSLY. SHOW YOU CARE.
At DM your technical ability will go hand in hand with our leadership characteristics:
- Inspire people: share a vision and plan linked to our strategy; make people feel they are part of something bigger; grow your people's confidence and capacity through coaching and development
- Think like a custodian: think and act strategically about the long-term health of DM; make courageous decisions to grow and protect the brand; leave DMs in a better place for consumers and the next generation of leaders
- Build connections: form authentic collaborative relationships; build self, talent, diverse & inclusive teams and partnerships; create space to have open and honest discussions with your team and peers
- Deliver results: empower and hold yourself and your people accountable; create a safe environment to drive performance and progress, not perfection; be agile, find solutions and deliver with integrity
At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers.
We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included, whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.
