JOB DESCRIPTION
Quality Manager
Position based in Accra, Ghana (West Africa)
Company description
Maagrace Garment Industries Limited (MGIL) is a leading apparel manufacturing firm established in 2003 in Ghana (West Africa). With a current workforce of approximately 600 operators, the factory has the capacity to expand and accommodate up to 800 individuals. Situated in a region with a population of over a million people, MGIL stands as the largest employer, contributing significantly to the local economy.
At MGIL, our vision is to pioneer ethical manufacturing practices on a large scale within the African context. We aspire to establish a model factory that exemplifies innovation, efficiency, and integrity, while delivering high-quality products to our customers. We specialize in both heavy and light weight garments including fleece, sweats, nightwear, underwear, shirts, schoolwear, dancewear. We work with mainly large scale brands in the USA and have strict quality and compliance requirements.
Central to our mission is the empowerment of our workforce, with a particular focus on promoting opportunities for women.
MGIL has formed a strategic partnership with Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA), a sourcing company that specializes in delivering ethical, cost-competitive, and high-quality manufacturing solutions to international apparel brands operating in West Africa. Headquartered in Ghana, EAA boasts a dynamic team with extensive expertise garnered from various corners of the globe, spanning product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations, and finance. EAA collaborates with factories across West Africa to elevate technical and ethical standards to meet international benchmarks. Their clientele primarily comprises international brands hailing from Europe and the USA, all seeking to establish and expand their manufacturing presence within the African continent.
Position overview
We have a great opportunity for someone with passion and expertise to continue to develop our Company as a Model Factory in the region. The role will be based in Koforidua which is 2 hours outside of Accra in Ghana, West Africa. This person will report to the General Manager (Production) and work closely with the EAA Technical team. They will have the following responsibilities:
Factory Development
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Conduct risk assessments (from cutting to finishing and packing) and train each head of department on specific quality standards accordingly
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Ensure that all goods meet customer specification with respect to quality i.e visual and measurement quality
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Assess operators’ challenges and needs and conduct ongoing quality training to upgrade their skills including pre and post assessment.
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Measure the outcome of the training and retrain as needed to ensure quality and efficiency
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Train, coach and develop QA and QC teams to achieve International Customer Quality Requirements with the creation of tailored SOPs
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Assess the QA and QC teams performance, provide ongoing coaching and feedback and submit technical and behavioral assessments
Quality Strategy and Product Development
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Develop and maintain a quality plan to bring the Company’s Quality Assurance Systems and Policies into compliance with quality system requirements.
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Complete risk assessments with the merchandising team on all new products requested for costing and sampling and document accordingly.
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Work closely with the Product Development Manager and quality check all samples leaving the factories and communicate to brands any differences/substitutions versus the tech packs.
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Check patterns/specification and construction, identify and resolve production impracticalities in an appropriately timely manner, and make a final decision on quality according to the Company standards and requirements.
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Liaise with EAA sourcing and merchandising teams to check raw material quality and give approval
Production
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When order is confirmed and production starts, support factory teams prepare Daily Quality reports and share them with all departments including Cutting, Sewing, Finishing and Packing.
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Support factories to monitor QA/QC performance by gathering relevant production data and produce statistical reports to be communicated with all related departments.
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Implement DHU reports and ensure targets are achieved.
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Support quality team to supervise the handling of sample evaluation and production approval by reviewing the measurement, workmanship, fitting, accessories, etc., and giving comments on production.
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Attend pre and post production meetings
Qualifications & Attributes
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Proficiency in English (written and oral) required
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Proven track record of similar position in the industry for at least 10 years
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In-depth knowledge and experience in implementing various quality standards
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Proven successful experience in leading quality assurance department and ensuring compliance with quality standards for garment manufacturing
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Excellent training skills and ability to develop training plans and report against training outcomes
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Outstanding in effectively managing operations spanning requirement analysis, sampling, quality, production, dispatch and liaison to ensure on time delivery and right the first time
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Experience in quality of products from concept to finished production, including successful experience in producing undergarments, lingeries and low GSM stretch fabrics.
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Experience in developing training programs and training staff
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Excellent communication, leadership and people management
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Experience of working on a night shift system
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Experience of working with Western brands from the USA or Europe
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Previous working/living experience in a developing country, ideally in Africa
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Evidence of the following characteristics: pro-active, critical thinking, self aware; resilient and adaptable; persistent and resourceful; able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, apt at both strengthening relationships and resolving problems, poised, active listener; fun to work with; full of integrity; ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment
Benefits
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Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile
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International medical and repatriation insurance
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Flight allowance to travel home
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Accommodation and transportation to/ from factory
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25 days of annual leave, sick leave in addition to Ghana national holidays
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Opportunity to join a key department of an award-winning, dynamic, and mission driven organization that welcomes strategic input from all members
How to apply
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Start date : asap
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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
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Please send a resume and a specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the reference in the subject line “MGIL Quality 24”
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Only completed applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview
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MGIL is dedicated to equal opportunities in employment, welcoming talents from Africa and around the world. We strongly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
For more information: Maagrace and Ethical Apparel Africa