At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure supplier quality and compliance while driving continuous improvement in production standards.
- Company: Fast-growing outdoor brand passionate about people and the planet.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, generous leave, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic office environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team making a real impact on product quality and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in apparel QC or supplier quality with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Business Passenger is driven by a passion for escapism, connection, and the wellbeing of both people and the planet. As a fast growing brand in the outdoor sector, we create products that are 'made to roam' and embody a culture that embraces inclusivity and fosters a collaborative team environment. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for protecting the planet while building something unique and authentic.
We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Supplier Quality and Compliance Coordinator to drive supplier quality performance, inspection governance, and product compliance alignment, with a focus on supporting scorecard performance and ESPR readiness. This role is not responsible for managing in-line factory inspections directly, but instead focuses on guiding suppliers on quality control expectations, ensuring robust self-inspection processes, and coordinating third-party inspections where required. The role will play a key part in ensuring that bulk production meets approved standards, with a strong emphasis on durability, construction quality, and compliance, while driving continuous improvement through supplier accountability and structured performance tracking. This is primarily an office-based role, with a minimum of 3 days per week at our HQ, enabling close collaboration with the Product, Production, and wider Quality & Compliance teams.
The Quality & Compliance team sits within our Product function, working closely with Product Developers and Production teams to ensure everything we bring to market meets our quality and compliance standards. We're a collaborative group who care deeply about getting the details right — from how a garment is constructed to how it holds up over time. This role is central to that, acting as the bridge between our supplier base and internal teams to drive quality ownership and continuous improvement across our supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Quality Governance & Performance
- Guide suppliers on internal quality control processes and expectations.
- Ensure factories have effective self-inspection systems in place (inline + final).
- Monitor and review supplier quality performance via scorecards.
- Identify trends in defects, returns, and inspection results.
- Drive supplier accountability for recurring issues and underperformance.
- Support implementation of corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
- Third-Party Inspection Planning & Oversight
- Coordinate third-party inspections (AQL) where required based on risk, supplier performance, or product type.
- Define inspection scope, focus areas, and risk points.
- Ensure inspection timing aligns with critical path and shipment readiness.
- Review inspection reports and challenge inconsistencies.
- Track outcomes and ensure corrective actions are completed prior to shipment.
- Product Compliance & ESPR Alignment
- Guide suppliers to meet durability and construction standards aligned with ESPR direction, with focus on reinforced high-stress areas (cuffs, seams, waistbands), stitching that withstands reasonable stretch without failure, and construction that supports repairability.
- Identify and upscale compliance risks in bulk production.
- Support alignment between approved standards, testing requirements, and bulk output.
- Supplier & DC Issue Management
- Act as key contact for quality-related issues between suppliers and DCs.
- Review defect data, imagery, and returns analysis.
- Lead structured root cause analysis with suppliers.
- Agree and track corrective actions and improvements; monitor effectiveness and ensure issues are not repeated.
- VAS & Rework Oversight
- Oversee quality standards for VAS and rework activities, ensuring rework is clearly defined, controlled, and aligned with original product standards.
- Approve rework approach and validate outcomes where required; ensure reworked goods meet quality and compliance expectations.
- Alignment with QA & Testing
- Maintain awareness of testing requirements and approvals.
- Ensure suppliers understand testing standards and implications for bulk production.
- Flag risks where bulk production does not align with approved standards.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain supplier quality scorecards and performance trackers.
- Report on inspection outcomes, defect trends, and supplier performance.
- Identify recurring issues and drive preventative improvements.
- Support continuous improvement of supplier quality systems and governance.
- Leverage AI tools and digital workflows to drive efficiency in reporting, defect trend analysis, and supplier performance tracking.
Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years' experience in apparel QC, supplier quality, or garment technology.
- Strong understanding of AQL and inspection processes.
- Experience working with third-party inspection providers.
- Strong knowledge of garment construction and common failure points.
- Experience in supplier management and performance tracking.
- Understanding of product compliance and durability requirements (ESPR awareness desirable).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis.
- Confident communicator with suppliers.
- Comfortable adopting AI tools and technology to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Key Competencies
- Improved supplier scorecard performance.
- Reduced defects and warranty claims.
- Strong supplier ownership of quality control processes.
- Effective use of third-party inspections as a risk management tool.
- Clear alignment between bulk production, quality standards, and compliance requirements.
- Reduced repeat issues through robust corrective actions.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- A culture of freedom, flexibility and trust
- Private Medical Insurance for you and your dependants
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays + a day for your birthday
- Very generous staff discount (50%) and Friends and Family discount (20%)
- £400/annum Passenger Voucher
- 5% Pension contribution
- Annual Volunteering Day to support causes that matter to you
Supplier Quality and Compliance Coordinator employer: Passenger Clothing
At The Business Passenger, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our flexible work environment, competitive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while working towards a shared passion for protecting the planet. Join us at our HQ, where you can make a meaningful impact in the outdoor sector and enjoy a generous staff discount, private medical insurance, and an annual volunteering day to support causes that matter to you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality and Compliance Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their commitment to quality and sustainability, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to quality control and supplier management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality and Compliance Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for the outdoors and sustainability shine through. We love candidates who share our values and are excited about making a positive impact on the planet.
Be Detail-Oriented:As a Supplier Quality and Compliance Coordinator, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application reflects this by being thorough and precise in your descriptions of past experiences and skills relevant to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Passenger Clothing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supplier quality control processes and inspection standards. Familiarise yourself with AQL and how it applies to the role, as well as any relevant compliance requirements. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the intricacies involved.
✨Show Your Passion for Quality
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for maintaining high-quality standards and your commitment to continuous improvement. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven quality initiatives or resolved issues with suppliers. This will demonstrate that you align with the company's values and culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about their quality governance processes or how they handle supplier performance tracking. This shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in how the team operates, plus it gives you insight into whether the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, highlight your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've worked closely with others to achieve a common goal, especially in quality assurance or compliance contexts. This will help convey that you can thrive in their collaborative environment.
