Quality & Technical Lead in South Shields

We have an exciting opportunity for a Quality & Technical Lead to join our Production team based in our Factory in South Shields.

You will be responsible for coordinating and controlling all aspects of Quality Assurance / Quality Control to agreed standards.

The successful candidate will ensure the development and sealing processes are followed correctly, support the skills development programme, and instruct operators on new jobs.

Safety: Ensure that Health & Safety policies are adhered to and that Safe Working Procedures are implemented as part of any training undertaken.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality checks and inspection audits are undertaken in line with the Barbour quality inspection plan.
• Collect and maintain quality records, performance data and reports.
• Analyse and identify root causes of quality occasions; identify and implement correct actions as per the Barbour Quality Inspection Plan and procedure.
• Involve operatives in the continuous improvement of quality.
• Work closely with the Production Team Leaders to improve quality and drive a right first time, right every time culture into the production process.
• Classify B stock garments and act on associated causes.
• Coordinate cost control and train operators to required quality and performance standards, working with Production Engineering, Team Leaders and Factory Management on cost reduction and process improvements.
• Coordinate delivery control, ensuring the accurate and detailed manufacture of sample garments through best practice to meet quality standards and seasonal critical paths.
• Assist and participate with the Production Team Leaders and Operators in the process of new style introduction, control and coordinate BOM and specification changes, and brief the production team on changes in a timely manner.
• Develop new skills and techniques and introduce them to the production unit.
• Perform duties as acting Team Leader to cover absence and holidays of the Team Leader, ensuring delivery of quality function and training, and maintaining a motivated and effective team in line with Vision, Mission and Values.
• Train new staff in line with recruitment plans and undertake any other reasonable activity as may be required by senior management.

Qualifications

• Proven and demonstrable experience within a sewing and manufacturing environment, in a QA / QC role.
• Ability to use a varied range of machinery and equipment in the production of outerwear garments.
• Relevant Manufacturing NVQ Level 3 desirable.
• Logical, proactive, problem‑solving approach.
• Advanced knowledge in construction and machining of garments.
• Advanced knowledge in Quality Assurance / Quality Control principles and standards.
• Coaching and training ability.
• Basic understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Basic line balancing knowledge.
• Basic PC skills (Excel, Outlook, PDM).
• Good people skills, decision maker, ability to work under pressure within target and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, team player, organisational and time management skills.
• Self‑motivated, accurate information and attention to detail, competent handling numerical data, continuous improvement approach, eye for detail.

Benefits

• Staff discount at the staff shop.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Free onsite parking.
• Wellbeing support.
• Subsidised canteen.
• 20 days holiday as standard (increasing with length of service plus bank holidays).
• Condensed working week – 36 hours Mon–Thu.
• Access to training and development activities to support career development.
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