Job Description

Anko Sourcing the exclusive direct sourcing arm of Kmart Group that operates the iconic retail brands Kmart Australia and Target Australia. Anko's operations span the largest sourcing markets across Asia including China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam, supporting an annual sourcing capability of US $ 3 billion.

With our strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, we provide a full suite of procurement services from sourcing, merchandising, packaging, quality assurance, quality control and international supply chain.

At Anko,, you will be part of a dynamic, growing business that delivers incredible results through a clearly defined purpose and strategy. You will work in an environment that is highly supportive, collaborative and encourages innovation whilst providing autonomy and challenge.

You will have access to flexible working hours, health and wellness programs, competitive remuneration and training opportunities with development plans to support your career growth. We offer an empowering culture with strongly embedded organisational values that define who we are and everything we do.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly proactive and technically strong Quality Improvement Engineer (QIE) to drive quality excellence across our supplier base. This is not a conventional Quality Control (QC) role focused primarily on inspections. The QIE will play a critical role in preventive quality management, risk mitigation, supplier capability development, and governance, ensuring sustainable improvements in quality performance.

The ideal candidate should have extensive exposure to both Apparel and Soft Home products (70/30, 60/40 mix or similar), experience handling reputed international customers, and a strong understanding of diverse product categories, fabrics, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.

What Makes This Role Different?

Inspection activities are important but represent only 40-50% of the role We are seeking a quality professional who can proactively prevent issues rather than simply detect them.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Drive Product Quality Management (PQM) initiatives.
• Conduct quality risk assessments before production starts.
• Analyze PPM (Parts Per Million) and defect trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop supplier capabilities and strengthen factory self-inspection systems.
• Conduct shadow audits, quality calibrations, and governance reviews.
• Drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Build a culture of quality ownership across supplier partners.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive Quality Management

• Drive proactive quality planning and risk mitigation across suppliers.
• Conduct risk assessments and identify quality vulnerabilities before production.
• Participate in Pre-Production Meetings (PPM) and review PP samples, GPT, Size Sets, and shipment samples.
• Develop and monitor Product Quality Management (PQM) initiatives.
• Analyze PPM and defect trend data to drive continuous improvement.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement robust CAPA programs.

Supplier Capability Development

• Build supplier capabilities for robust self-inspection systems.
• Coach and mentor factory quality teams on preventive quality practices.
• Lead quality calibration programs and ensure alignment across stakeholders.
• Conduct supplier assessments, shadow audits, and governance reviews.
• Support vendor capability enhancement and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality Assurance & Inspection

• Conduct in-line, end-line, and final inspections as per AQL standards.
• Monitor production processes to ensure compliance with buyer requirements and quality parameters.
• Ensure effective implementation of buyer SOPs, quality manuals, specifications, and inspection protocols.
• Verify packing standards, labeling, assortments, barcodes, and carton quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers to reduce recurring defects and improve first-pass quality.
• Support shipment readiness and on-time delivery requirements.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Manage quality expectations for leading international brands and retailers.
• Work closely with Technical Development, Sourcing, Merchandising, RMT, Manufacturing, and Vendor teams.
• Present quality performance insights and improvement initiatives to management.
• Coordinate with vendors and factories to resolve quality concerns effectively.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• Strong experience in apparel manufacturing environments is mandatory.
• Proven experience in preventive quality management rather than inspection-focused quality control alone.
• Demonstrated success in quality risk assessment, supplier development, process improvement, and governance.
• Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, garment construction, fabrics, trims, and finishing.
• Experience handling a broad portfolio of products across Apparel and Soft Home categories.
• Strong knowledge of Home Soft Textile products including bedding, curtains, cushions, throws, quilts, towels, and related categories.
• Ability to drive supplier ownership of quality through self-inspection and capability-building programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in trading companies, buying offices, or buying agencies will be a strong advantage.
• Experience handling reputed international customers, retailers, and quality standards.
• Exposure to multiple vendors, product categories, and fabric types.
• Experience working in fast-paced sourcing or buying office environments.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of fabric behavior, garment construction, trims, and finishing techniques.
• Proficiency in AQL standards, 4-Point Fabric Inspection System, and measurement audits.
• Understanding of product safety requirements and industry compliance standards.
• Knowledge of testing requirements including color fastness, shrinkage, performance testing, and product safety.
• Ability to review laboratory test reports and identify potential quality risks and non-conformities.
• Experience with supplier quality management and continuous improvement programs.
• Familiarity with social and environmental compliance standards such as BSCI, SEDEX, and ISO systems.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and reporting tools.

Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage buyers, vendors, factories, and internal stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and proactive with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism in quality decision-making.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain quality standards while building positive supplier relationships.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate should be able to clearly demonstrate:

Quality risk management achievements

Product Quality Management (PQM) expertise

Supplier capability development projects

Reduction in defect rates and measurable PPM improvements

Governance initiatives such as shadow audits, quality calibrations, and compliance programs

Successful implementation of preventive quality systems

Strong experience in apparel manufacturing environments

Exposure across both Apparel and Soft Home categories

Effective supplier engagement and continuous improvement leadershi

Application Guidelines

Interested candidates are requested to submit a concise yet detailed CV highlighting:

• Product categories handled.
• Apparel and Soft Home experience mix.
• Customer and brand exposure.
• Manufacturing experience.
• Buying office/trading company experience (if applicable).
• Quality improvement projects.
• Risk assessment and mitigation initiatives.
• Supplier development achievements.
• Audit, calibration, and governance experience.
• PPM reduction and measurable quality improvements.
• Key quality results and business impact delivered.

Note: Inspection experience is important; however, it represents only a portion of this role. Strong evidence of preventive quality management, risk mitigation, supplier development, governance, and continuous improvement will be key selection criteria.

How to Apply

Please share your updated CV with detailed achievements related to quality improvement, supplier capability development, risk mitigation, and governance initiatives. Candidates with demonstrated success in building quality into processes, rather than relying solely on inspection, will be given strong consideration.

If you are passionate about building quality into processes rather than merely detecting defects, we would like to hear from you.

Anko Sourcing values diversity and we pride ourselves on representing the diverse and multicultural communities of which we are a part. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purpose.