At Asket our vision is a world free of mindless consumption. We are on a mission to slow down the fashion industry by creating and refining one permanent collection of garments that last longer, do better by people and planet and allow us to live fulfilled with less.

We are looking for a highly experienced and detail-oriented Quality Manager, based in Portugal, to uphold and elevate the quality standards of our apparel production. In this key role, you will serve as the vital link between our Swedish headquarters, local suppliers, and the product development and production teams.

You will lead all quality assurance and control processes, ensure regulatory and brand compliance, and safeguard our commitment to longevity, traceability, and premium product craftsmanship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Swedish Head Office, Product Development and Production teams, and local suppliers on all quality-related matters.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure a unified approach to product quality, consistency, and ongoing product elevation across the assortment.

• Lead and execute all Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) processes across production facilities in Portugal, Italy, and Romania, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand standards.

• Conduct risk assessments during product development phases to proactively mitigate potential quality issues before production begins.

• Manage incoming goods inspections, inline quality checks, and final AQL audits, either directly or through third-party partners such as Intertek and agents.

• Oversee pre-production testing for all apparel categories, including quality evaluations, laboratory testing, and the approval of pre-production (PP) samples.

• Exercise sound judgment in managing critical quality interventions — such as production holds, stock release decisions, and shipment approvals — ensuring actions are aligned with brand expectations and agreed collaboratively with Head Office stakeholders.

• Assess new suppliers from both a technical and quality perspective, conducting audits to support effective onboarding.

• Continuously evaluate and develop the existing supplier base to ensure it meets "best in class" standards.

• Lead corrective action plans and drive continuous improvement efforts in collaboration with suppliers to address and resolve quality concerns.

• Develop and maintain brand-specific SOPs, quality manuals, best practice guidelines, and technical standards to drive consistency, continuous improvement, and supplier alignment across all product categories.

• Ensure full compliance with internal technical specifications, brand standards, and applicable international regulations.

• Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to suppliers and junior team members on quality systems, expectations, and best practices.

• Provide structured reporting to Head Office on key quality metrics, risk evaluation, supplier performance trends, and ongoing improvement initiatives to support strategic oversight and informed decision making.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in quality management within the textile or apparel industry.

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.

• Strong proficiency in AQL standards and third-party audit procedures.

• In-depth knowledge of garment construction, fabric performance testing, production workflows, and industry best practices.

• Solid understanding of EU compliance, sustainability protocols, and traceability standards.

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Portuguese is highly desirable.

• Proven experience working with international brands, ideally Nordic or European.

• Proactive, self-motivated, and highly organized, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier sites and the Swedish head office as required.

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven Swedish brand dedicated to transparency, quality, and responsible production.

• The chance to lead meaningful, hands-on work at the intersection of craftsmanship and sustainability.

• A collaborative, international environment that encourages professional growth and development.