Head of Quality Assurance (full-time)

Job Title:  Head of Quality Assurance 

Organisation: Global Standard gGmbH 

Location: Remote (with occasional travel) 

Type: Full-time, Permanent 

About Global Standard gGmbH: 

Global Standard gGmbH is a self-funded non-profit organization based in Germany, dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest standards for the textile industry currently through their Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).  The organization is in the process of developing a second sustainability standard for textiles.  We are committed to promoting sustainability, quality, and ethical practices across the textile supply chain. 

Position Overview: 

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated person to lead and continuously develop our global quality assurance programme for our voluntary sustainability standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality assurance, auditing, and standards management within the textile industry or a related field. This includes three main pillars: 

1. Oversight on certification body activities 

1. Oversight on accreditation body activities 

1. Resolving complaints and integrity concerns 

This is a full-time, remote position that requires occasional travel. The role requires hands-on and leadership qualities with excellent organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including Certification Bodies (CBs), Accreditation Bodies (ABs), and certified entities across nationalities and cultures. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making: Responsible for setting the strategic direction of the unit in alignment with the overall goals of the organization. This involves making high-level decisions, setting priorities, and ensuring that the unit's activities contribute to the broader objectives of Global Standard. 

• Team Management and Development: Manage and develop team members within the unit, ensuring that staff are motivated, skilled, and working effectively. This includes overseeing performance, fostering a positive work environment, facilitating professional development, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently within the unit. 

• Change Management: Play a critical role in managing change within the unit, whether it involves implementing new processes, technologies, or organizational shifts. They are responsible for ensuring that changes are smoothly integrated, and that the team adapts effectively while maintaining productivity and morale. This includes communication, training, and addressing any resistance to change. 

• Continuous Development of Quality Assurance Programme: Lead the ongoing development and enhancement of the global quality assurance programmes for our standards including GOTS, ensuring it meets and exceeds industry standards. This includes coordinating closely with GOTS Approved Certification Bodies (CBs) and Accreditation Bodies (ABs) to maintain and improve quality assurance processes. 

• Implementation and Interpretation of Standards: Implement and interpret our standard requirements across all levels of the certification process, ensuring that Certification Bodies (CBs) and Accreditation Bodies (ABs) have a clear understanding and are able to consistently apply these standards in their operations. 

• Complaint Management & Integrity: Address and resolve complaints related to quality assurance and the interpretation of standards, working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure issues are promptly and effectively resolved. To coordinate investigative work with Integrity subunit. 

• Random Quality Checks: Organize and implement random quality checks on certified goods and inputs, ensuring that certified products consistently meet the required standards. 

• Training Coordination: Organize and conduct training sessions for CBs and ABs with a strong focus on quality assurance and the correct interpretation of our standards, ensuring all parties are well-equipped to uphold and accurately implement standard requirements. 

• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison between Global Standard gGmbH and CBs and ABs concerning all quality assurance matters, fostering strong and collaborative relationships. 

• Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, analyse, and interpret data from CBs to monitor and ensure the quality of their operations. Use data-driven insights to inform and refine quality assurance strategies. 

• Surveys Design and Implementation: Assist in the design and conduct surveys for Certified Entities and Certification Bodies to assess the effectiveness of the quality assurance programme and the implementation of GOTS standards, identifying areas for improvement. 

• Industry Conformance: Assist in ensuring that our Standards conform with industry quality and impact frameworks, staying abreast of the latest developments in standards and quality assurance practices. 

• Audit Observation: Occasionally witness and observe Accreditation Body (AB) surveillance audits and CB audits of Certified Entities to ensure compliance with our standards and protocols. 

Qualifications: 

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

• At least 7 years experience in quality assurance, auditing, or standards management within the textile industry or a similar sector, including team leadership. 

• Strong understanding of certification and accreditation processes, including the implementation and interpretation of standards. 

• Excellent organizational and project management skills. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. 

• Fluency in English. 

• Fluency with Microsoft Office 365 tools.  

• Willingness to travel occasionally for audit observations, stakeholder and internal meetings. 

What We Offer: 

• A dynamic and impactful role within a globally recognized self-funded non-profit organization dedicated to sustainability and ethical practices.
  
• The opportunity to lead and shape the quality assurance programme for one of the most respected standards in the textile industry. 

• A collaborative and supportive work environment with a commitment to professional development. 

• Competitive salary and benefits package. 

• Flexibility to work remotely from any location. 

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, along with a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience related to the position to . Please include "Head of Quality Assurance - Application from [Your Name]” in the subject line.  Candidates should include a statement of purpose and salary expectations as part of their application.  

Global Standard gGmbH is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

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