DC Assistant Quality Assurance Manager (Footwear)

Dr. Martens; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global footwear leader in Wellingborough is seeking a DC Assistant Quality Assurance Manager to lead the quality inspection team. This role involves ensuring compliance with quality standards, providing training to inspectors, and championing the product quality strategy. Candidates should possess a background in the footwear industry and excellent communication skills, as well as a strong attention to detail. Competitive perks include discounts and private healthcare.

Benefits

Free pair of Docs

65% off all Docs

Award-winning ‘Buy As You Earn’ share plan

Private healthcare

2 paid volunteer days per year

Qualifications

• Background in the footwear/fashion industry is preferred.
• Ability to travel occasionally to the NL.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Support and champion the Product Quality strategy.
• Lead the quality inspection team and ensure adherence to standards.
• Train and guide quality inspectors on processes.
• Provide inspection data to management.

Skills

Familiarity with AQL standard

Good knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements

Strong work ethic

Attention to detail

Robust qualitative and analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficient in MS Office

Job description

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand, with 65 years of rich heritage, rooted in craftmanship. As brand custodians, we are lucky to work for a dynamic, thriving, and ethical business, with people from diverse backgrounds, who bring their true selves to work, and where anyone can grow their career.

We are guided by three core values that are at the heart of everything we do: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care. They make us who we are and inspire us to push boundaries, embrace our individuality, and stand up for what's right.

SO, WHAT'S THE STORY?

For more than six decades, we have made iconic, timeless and durable footwear. As brand custodians, we want to retain these characteristics and our approach to product quality firmly underpins this.

The DC Assistant Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is a hands-on role, where you will support our Distribution Centre (DC) in the UK to champion the Dr. Martens (DM) Product Quality strategy and to ensure compliance. You will work as part of a high performing team to communicate and embed best in class Quality and Compliance standards.

THE GIG

At our DC, we meticulously inspect, grade, and repackage for resale, returned products from various channels. The DC Assistant QA Manager will lead the team of quality inspectors, ensuring adherence to the DM inspection process whilst maintaining a consistent quality standard.

In addition, you will provide support, guidance, and continuous training to inspectors, fostering a motivated and engaged team.

• Advocate and champion our Product Quality Strategy across the DC.
• Ensure DC inspectors comply with DM quality policies, return processes, inspection procedures, and quality requirements, conducting regular checks to maintain a consistent quality.
• Establish and maintain a uniform standard for assessment and classification across the quality inspection team.
• Provide training and guidance to quality inspectors on precise assessment, grading, and repackaging processes.
• Assist in training new and existing quality inspectors, maintaining and improving their skill sets.
• Provide inspection data to the EMEA DC Manager and other relevant stakeholders on a monthly basis.
• Report any issues impacting inspector work quality to the EMEA DC Manager
• Assist in investigations when complaints arise.
• Ensure workflows are processed as per company timelines and urgency.
• Provide support, ensuring a motivated and engaged team.
• Collaborate on other Global Supply Chain initiatives, including reporting and participation in ad-hoc project work as required.

THE STUFF THAT SETS YOU APART

To be our DC Assistant Quality Assurance Manager, you will also possess these qualities:

• Familiarity with AQL standard and good knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements
• Preferably with a background in the footwear/fashion industry in a retail/e-commerce environment
• Flexibility to travel occasionally to the NL
• Robust qualitative, analytical and communication skills
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail and time management
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English; able to convey complex information clearly and effectively to the team and stakeholders
• Proficient in MS office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

At Dr. Martens, we live and breathe our 3 core values —they’re at the heart of who we are. 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. Our values also underpin the DM Way, our behavioural framework, which describes the 8 factors that drive success for our people.

Your technical capability will go hand in hand with our DM Way success factors:

• Develop: build on your strengths and superpowers while stepping outside your comfort zone to encourage growth and development – both for yourself and your colleagues.
• Lead: set individual performance and development goals linked to our business strategy. Maintaining motivation, supporting others and embodying our purpose and values.
• Explore: understand the consumer impact of your role, connect with other teams, and see the bigger picture within DM.
• Invent: challenge conventions, respecting DM's heritage while offering practical improvement suggestions and ideas.
• Connect: contributes to positive team energy by valuing diverse perspectives, promoting open dialogue, and building strong relationships within and beyond the team.
• Influence: share ideas confidently, listen empathetically, and adapt approach to resonate with others, bringing positivity and strong communication skills to inspire enthusiasm.
• Drive: embody pride in our brand, proactively seek improvement, and deliver on promises with integrity. Show initiative, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Organise: prioritise demands, manage time effectively, and identify opportunities for improvement.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
• 65% off all Docs
• Award-winning ‘Buy As You Earn’ Dr. Martens share plan
• Private healthcare
• 2 paid volunteer days per year

Are you ready to fill your boots? Apply now.

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, colour, 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.