Quality Manager

Job Title - Quality Manager [Footwear & Accessories]

Reports To - Head of Quality

Team - Quality

Location - Arthur Ryan House, Dublin

Job Type - Permanent

Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 70,000 colleagues across 16 countries in Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, Primark aims to create maximum joy at minimum cost – less money and less impact on the planet. Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026. Every person impacts the culture at Primark. Our values: Caring (we always strive to put people first), Dynamic (we bravely push the boundaries to stay ahead) and Together (we learn more, laugh more and achieve more as a team) outline the behaviours we expect of our people as we work with each other, our customers, our suppliers and our partners. Let’s see what impact you can make!

Purpose of the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Quality Manager to lead quality assurance initiatives across our Footwear and Accessories departments. This role is pivotal in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance across global markets. Based in our Dublin Headquarters, the Quality Manager will lead a team of Product Technologists, Assistant and Trainee Technologists. This role requires close collaboration across multiple functions at Primark as well as strong engagement with our global supply base. The Quality Manager will also provide strategic support to the Head of Quality, contributing to the evolution of our quality strategy and driving continuous improvement across the business.

Duties & Responsibilities:                                                               

• Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to embed quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle from design and development to production and post-market evaluation.
• Lead the implementation of quality control systems and processes that ensure consistency, compliance, and excellence across global markets.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to resolve quality issues, drive efficiencies, and influence long-term improvements.
• Support the Head of Quality in strategic planning, reporting, and departmental leadership.
• Identify and resolve quality issues within the supply base and work with your team in close partnership with the Buying Leadership teams to agree solutions.
• In close partnership with BMD Leadership, play a lead role in influencing quality in supplier meetings.
• Effectively communicates and champions Primark quality standard initiatives and processes to the supply base
• Partner with Primark’s internal Sourcing & Ethical teams to understand supplier performance and opportunities.
• Lead & champion change within the supply base to deliver process efficiencies that drive cost savings, efficiency and long-term growth

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and lead a team of Product Technologists and Assistant & Trainee Product Technologists based in our Dublin Headquarters, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion and ownership.
• Coordinate and facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members ensuring efficient workflows and clear expectations.
• Act as a coach and mentor for the team, enabling them to take ownership of their careers and supporting them to drive their own development
• Generate enthusiasm and commitment within the team and across Primark towards shared outcomes
• Prioritise and manage competing matters utilising a team approach whilst maintaining high and consistent standards
• Build trust and credibility across Primark and develop strong internal networks and partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to keep up with emerging trends and standards in Quality Assurance
• Facilitate learning, ideas and information sharing across teams.
• Be an effective business partner, challenging and encouraging stakeholders as needed to uphold quality standards.
• Engage with senior stakeholders internally and externally to provide updates on key QA initiatives and influence strategic direction.
• Promote and represent Quality across BMD teams and the wider business through timely, robust communication.
• Lead training and engagement initiatives that support BMD teams and suppliers in improving sampling hit rates and product consistency.
• Influence BMD leadership in their decision-making around quality standards, ensuring alignment with Primark’s expectations.
• Take a lead role in BMD department meetings, contributing meaningful insights and adding value to product operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in a senior Quality role within Footwear and Accessories, ideally in a fast-paced, global retail environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams, with a strong focus on coaching, capability building, and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Deep understanding of product development, manufacturing processes, and global compliance standards specific to footwear and accessories.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, with a strong track record of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated success in balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution, thriving in dynamic and evolving environments.
• Strong customer presence, with excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective advisor and relationship builder, with distinctive problem-solving capabilities and a collaborative mindset.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Agile and resilient, able to adapt to unforeseen challenges and shifting business needs.
• Curious, enthusiastic, and realistic about driving meaningful business change.
• Capable of generating enthusiasm in others and balancing diverse viewpoints to reach shared outcomes.
• Visionary and innovative, always seeking opportunities to improve and evolve quality practices.
• Trusted leader with sound judgement, high integrity, and a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Persuasive communicator, able to present complex information in a clear and engaging way across all levels of the business.
• Proven ability to coach, influence, and develop others, fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.