Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist – Apparel

S. Kidman Clothing Co; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kidman Apparel Group in Melbourne requests a Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist to own quality, compliance, and certification for apparel ranges with a focus on cotton, wool and leather programs. You will manage end-to-end quality across development, sourcing, manufacturing and inbound inspection to meet brand standards and regulatory obligations.

Work closely with suppliers, factories and internal teams to drive improvements, strengthen systems and ensure supply with consistency and

Qualifications

• Experience in apparel quality assurance (essential).
• Strong knowledge of global compliance requirements (labelling, RSL, chemical safety).
• Experience working with offshore suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fit, and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage end to end quality assurance and control systems across apparel.
• Oversee fit approvals, product testing, and inspection processes (inline, pre-shipment, inbound).
• Ensure compliance with global standards including labelling, fibre content, chemical safety, and RSL requirements.
• Manage supplier and factory assessments and drive ongoing performance improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are completed and sustained.
• Partner with Design, Product, Sourcing, and Production to embed quality across all stages.
• Identify risks early and implement practical preventative actions.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation including specs, BOMs, care labels, and supplier manuals.
• Manage third-party inspections and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Oversee certification, compliance, and continuity of supply for cotton, wool, and leather programs
• Maintain Chain of Custody documentation with certification and industry bodies
• Support export readiness and direct-from-factory compliance requirements

Skills

Apparel QA

Global compliance

Offshore supplier experience

Garment production knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist - Apparel

Join Kidman Apparel Group as a Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist - Apparel based in our Melbourne CBD office.

About the Role

We are looking for a Quality Assurance & Compliance Specialist to take ownership of quality, compliance, and certification across our apparel ranges, with a strong focus on cotton, wool, and leather programs, including responsibility for Chain of Custody documentation and traceability requirements.

You will oversee end to end quality processes across product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and inbound inspection, ensuring products meet brand standards, fit requirements, customer expectations, and global regulatory obligations.

Partnering closely with suppliers, factories, and internal teams, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen quality systems, and ensure our products are delivered to market with consistency, integrity, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• • Set up and manage end to end quality assurance and control systems across apparel
• • Oversee fit approvals, product testing, and inspection processes (inline, pre-shipment, inbound)
• • Ensure compliance with global standards including labelling, fibre content, chemical safety, and RSL requirements
• • Manage supplier and factory assessments and drive ongoing performance improvement
• • Lead root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are completed and sustained
• • Partner with Design, Product, Sourcing, and Production to embed quality across all stages
• • Identify risks early and implement practical preventative actions
• • Maintain accurate technical documentation including specs, BOMs, care labels, and supplier manuals
• • Manage third-party inspections and ensure timely resolution of issues
• • Oversee certification, compliance, and continuity of supply for cotton, wool, and leather programs
• • Maintain Chain of Custody documentation with certification and industry bodies
• • Support export readiness and direct-from-factory compliance requirements

About You

• • Experience in apparel quality assurance (essential)
• • Strong knowledge of global compliance requirements (labelling, RSL, chemical safety)
• • Experience working with offshore suppliers and manufacturing partners
• • Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and production processes
• • Confident working across multiple stakeholders including Design, Product, Sourcing, and Production teams
• • Able to interpret technical packs, specifications, and manufacturing requirements
• • Experience managing Chain of Custody, traceability, certification, or fibre compliance programs within apparel, textiles, wool, cotton, leather, or related industries
• • Sound knowledge of global labelling requirements and compliance standards across the UK, USA, and other international markets

Why Work with Us

• • Own quality and compliance across premium apparel ranges
• • Work with iconic Australian heritage brands including Driza-Bone
• • Genuine end-to-end ownership from product development through to delivery
• • Exposure to global suppliers and international compliance standards
• • Opportunity to improve systems, influence standards, and reduce product risk
• • Work in a business where quality, craftsmanship, and product integrity matter