Garment Material Inspector

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Garment Material Inspector to lead our raw material inspection processes and maintain quality standards across all incoming fabrics and trims.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between day-to-day quality control, supplier performance, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate blends technical apparel inspection expertise with executive-level communication and high-stakes negotiation skills to hold suppliers accountable, secure chargebacks or replacements, and present clear quality metrics to top management.

Job Responsibilities

1. Lead and coordinate daily inspection workflows for all incoming raw materials (fabrics, trims, threads, zippers, labels, and packaging) using standard apparel inspection systems (e.g., 4-Point System, AQL standards).

2. Ensure raw materials match approved lab dips, strike-offs, tech packs, and physical master samples for color, hand-feel, shade band, and construction.

3. Direct physical and lab testing oversight, including colorfastness, shrinkage, skewing, tear strength, and seam slippage.

4. Maintain complete traceability logs and non-conformance reports (NCRs) for all audited lots.

5. Lead discussions and negotiations with textile mills, trim suppliers, and vendors when non-conforming materials are identified.

6. Negotiate favorable outcomes for rejected materials, including immediate replacements, air-freight subsidies, price concessions, or formal debit/chargeback claims.

7. Track supplier defect rates, maintain supplier scorecards, and lead quarterly performance reviews to drive vendor accountability and process improvements.

8. Prepare and present executive summary reports on raw material defect trends, vendor performance, inspection throughput, and financial impacts to upper management.

9. Serve as the primary liaison between the Quality Inspection team, Sourcing, Merchandiser, Production, and Factory Management to resolve material issues before cutting/production.

10. Escalates critical raw material delays or bulk quality failures promptly to executive leadership with clear risk assessments and proposed solutions.

Qualifications & Skills

1. Education min. Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Technology, Quality Management, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on industry experience).

2. Experience minimum 5 years of quality inspection experience in garment manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a coordinator or supervisory capacity.

3. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to translate complex quality metrics into actionable reports for executive leadership.

4. Demonstrated track record of negotiating assertively and diplomatically with vendors and suppliers to resolve defect disputes and commercial claims.

5. Deep knowledge of fabric construction, weaving/knitting defects, dyeing/printing processes, trim specifications, ASTM/AATCC test methods, and the 4-Point Fabric Inspection System.

6. Proficiency in Quality Management Systems (QMS), ERP software (e.g., SAP, Lectra, FastReact), and Microsoft Excel/PowerPoint.

7. Fluent in English (speaking & writing).

Key Competencies

1. Decision-Making: Confident in rejecting non-conforming lots and stopping production lines when quality standards are compromised.

2. Analytical Thinking: Ability to spot defect trends across vendors and propose root-cause corrective actions (CAPA).

3. Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable managing high-pressure situations involving tight production deadlines and supplier pushback.