Quality and Sustainability (Maternity Cover Min. 12months)

Born in 2014 by Creative Director, Max Svärdh and CEO, Albin Johansson, Axel Arigato is a Sweden based contemporary brand that started from an Instagram page and an idea to break into the footwear market.

With deep roots in music, art, architecture and what is contemporary, Axel Arigato has defined itself by offering more than a product. It has been created to leave an experience at the front of mind, whether it’s via stores, online or through events.

Axel Arigato currently has 6 stores, including London, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg with more pending. Expanding from 2 people to now hiring over 65 members of staff in 4 years, Axel Arigato also operates a subsidiary office in London.

Join us!

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

This position holds the responsibility to establish the quality requirements of our raw materials and products, drive the due diligence and risk process for both development and production. This includes driving the partnership with experts and laboratories.

This role is also accountable for the claim process and to keep records of quality levels at all stages of the product lifecycle as well as keeping the systems updated accordingly. This also includes training of the sales team, discussion with the QC team in the field and factories to maintain our product excellence as well as coordinating the quality product flow.

Own the supplier assessment process (scorecards, certifications, commitments, ..)

This role is driving our Corporate Responsibility Strategy and initiate and pilot cross functional projects to help us achieve our goals and stay in the forefront of sustainability.

This requires a daily contact with supply chain team, warehouse, factories, laboratories.

JOB ASSIGNMENTS

1. Raw Materials

Develops, implements and maintains quality standards for raw materials used across all product categories (physical and chemical. Requirements)

Leads sustainable material research and development for future use

2. Finish Products

Develops, implements and maintains quality standards for finish goods across all product categories

3. Claims

Owns the product claim process end to end. Work hand in hand with the store managers, customer service, warehouse, factories and quality control staff in the field to coordinate claim flows.
Responsible to update the systems and ensure that all financial and administrative tasks are performed.

Provide regular reporting on claims, solutions and trends.

4. Quality Management

Is the main quality contact for internals, suppliers, manufacturers, and testing houses

Works with internal and external partners to develop, implement and oversee quality processes such as finish product inspections, returns, and repairs

5. Product integrity

Aims to instill quality in the product from material selection through final production.

Ensures that all components and constructions used are compliant for performance and restricted substances prior to production.

Tests questionable materials and treatments in the development cycle to prevent a lapse in product flow in production.

Ensures compliance of products for intended markets

Validates labeling and care instruction with Product Developer from a legal and quality standpoint.

6. Analyze/reports

Analyzes quality failures patterns and implement corrective actions with the respective teams

7. Sustainability

Drive and Maintain the sustainability strategy roadmap

Pilot cross-functional projects (with marketing, brand, developers, designers, operations) to achieve new product introductions that are at the forefront of sustainable technologies as well as other corporate responsibility initiatives.

Provide sustainable material alternatives to the development and design teams

Scout for innovation and push for the implementation of sustainable solutions across all product categories.

Support the developing team in getting changes made to products in line with the sustainability strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 5 to 10 years’ experience within a quality organization
Fashion experience is a plus
Experience in implementing quality procedure and or quality certification process
Experience in driving sustainability projects
Leather and leather product knowledge is a plus
Experience in managing external partners
Confident in resolving technical issues and handling claims
Exceptional time management skills, including the ability to prioritize, manage and meet multiple deadlines
Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with multiple team members and align ideas
Fluency in English is required
Be comfortable in a fast-paced environment with the ability to use initiative
Entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on growth

SALARY: According to agreement

STARTING DATE: According to agreement

Please apply by submitting your CV and a brief statement of why you are the perfect fit for this position.

We process applications continuously and the position may be filled before the last day of application