Quality Improvement Engineer

KAS Group; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

KAS Group in Gurgaon is seeking a proactive Quality Improvement Engineer to drive preventive quality across suppliers. The role emphasizes governance, capability development, and robust CAPA programs, with exposure to Apparel and Soft Home categories and international customers.

The candidate should bring experience in apparel manufacturing, QA governance, and data-driven quality improvements to ensure first-pass quality and on-time delivery across multiple vendors.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in apparel manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in preventive quality management rather than inspection-focused QC.
• Demonstrated success in quality risk assessment, supplier development, process improvement and governance.
• Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, garment construction, fabrics, trims and finishing.
• Experience handling a broad portfolio of products across Apparel and Soft Home categories.
• Strong knowledge of Home Soft Textile products including bedding, curtains, cushions, throws, quilts, towels and related categories.
• Ability to drive supplier ownership of quality through self-inspection and capability-building programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Drive proactive quality planning and risk mitigation across suppliers.
• Conduct risk assessments and identify quality vulnerabilities before production.
• Participate in Pre-Production Meetings (PPM) and review PP samples, GPT, Size Sets, and shipment samples.
• Develop and monitor Product Quality Management (PQM) initiatives.
• Analyze PPM and defect trend data to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement robust CAPA programs.
• Build supplier capabilities for robust self-inspection systems.
• Coach and mentor factory quality teams on preventive quality practices.
• Lead quality calibration programs and ensure alignment across stakeholders.
• Conduct supplier assessments, shadow audits, and governance reviews.
• Support vendor capability enhancement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct in-line, end-line, and final inspections as per AQL standards.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with buyer requirements and quality parameters.
• Ensure effective implementation of buyer SOPs, quality manuals, specifications, and inspection protocols.
• Verify packing standards, labeling, assortments, barcodes, and carton quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers to reduce recurring defects and improve first-pass quality.
• Support shipment readiness and on-time delivery requirements.
• Manage quality expectations for leading international brands and retailers.
• Work closely with Technical Development, Sourcing, Merchandising, RMT, Manufacturing, and Vendor teams.
• Present quality performance insights and improvement initiatives to management.
• Coordinate with vendors and factories to resolve quality concerns effectively.

Skills

Apparel manufacturing

Preventive quality management

Quality analytics

AQL standards

Supplier development

MS Excel

Tools

Quality inspection tools

Measurement audits

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly proactive and technically strong Quality Improvement Engineer (QIE) to drive quality excellence across our supplier base. This is not a conventional Quality Control (QC) role focused primarily on inspections. The QIE will play a critical role in preventive quality management, risk mitigation, supplier capability development, and governance, ensuring sustainable improvements in quality performance.

The ideal candidate should have extensive exposure to both Apparel and Soft Home products (70/30, 60/40 mix or similar), experience handling reputed international customers, and a strong understanding of diverse product categories, fabrics, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.

What Makes This Role Different

• Inspection activities are important but represent only 40-50% of the role. We are seeking a quality professional who can proactively prevent issues rather than simply detect them.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive Quality Management

• Drive proactive quality planning and risk mitigation across suppliers.
• Conduct risk assessments and identify quality vulnerabilities before production.
• Participate in Pre-Production Meetings (PPM) and review PP samples, GPT, Size Sets, and shipment samples.
• Develop and monitor Product Quality Management (PQM) initiatives.
• Analyze PPM and defect trend data to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement robust CAPA programs.

Supplier Capability Development

• Build supplier capabilities for robust self-inspection systems.
• Coach and mentor factory quality teams on preventive quality practices.
• Lead quality calibration programs and ensure alignment across stakeholders.
• Conduct supplier assessments, shadow audits, and governance reviews.
• Support vendor capability enhancement and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality Assurance Inspection

• Conduct in-line, end-line, and final inspections as per AQL standards.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with buyer requirements and quality parameters.
• Ensure effective implementation of buyer SOPs, quality manuals, specifications, and inspection protocols.
• Verify packing standards, labeling, assortments, barcodes, and carton quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers to reduce recurring defects and improve first-pass quality.
• Support shipment readiness and on-time delivery requirements.

Customer Stakeholder Management

• Manage quality expectations for leading international brands and retailers.
• Work closely with Technical Development, Sourcing, Merchandising, RMT, Manufacturing, and Vendor teams.
• Present quality performance insights and improvement initiatives to management.
• Coordinate with vendors and factories to resolve quality concerns effectively.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• Strong experience in apparel manufacturing environments is mandatory.
• Proven experience in preventive quality management rather than inspection-focused quality control alone.
• Demonstrated success in quality risk assessment, supplier development, process improvement, and governance.
• Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, garment construction, fabrics, trims, and finishing.
• Experience handling a broad portfolio of products across Apparel and Soft Home categories.
• Strong knowledge of Home Soft Textile products including bedding, curtains, cushions, throws, quilts, towels, and related categories.
• Ability to drive supplier ownership of quality through self-inspection and capability-building programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in trading companies, buying offices, or buying agencies will be a strong advantage.
• Experience handling reputed international customers, retailers, and quality standards.
• Exposure to multiple vendors, product categories, and fabric types.
• Experience working in fast-paced sourcing or buying office environments.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of fabric behavior, garment construction, trims, and finishing techniques.
• Proficiency in AQL standards, 4-Point Fabric Inspection System, and measurement audits.
• Understanding of product safety requirements and industry compliance standards.
• Knowledge of testing requirements including color fastness, shrinkage, performance testing, and product safety.
• Ability to review laboratory test reports and identify potential quality risks and non-conformities.
• Experience with supplier quality management and continuous improvement programs.
• Familiarity with social and environmental compliance standards such as BSCI, SEDEX, and ISO systems.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and reporting tools.

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage buyers, vendors, factories, and internal stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism in quality decision-making.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain quality standards while building positive supplier relationships.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills