Senior Specialist, QA - Handbags

About the role

Centric Brands, a lifestyle brand collective covering apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty, is looking for a Senior Specialist, QA for handbags. You will lead quality assurance for handbag production at assigned vendors, from pre-production through final shipment, ensuring consistent product quality, compliance and on-time delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Own end-to-end quality for assigned handbag vendors, from development and pre-production through final shipment, in line with Centric SOPs and customer requirements.
• Conduct product risk assessments and lead PPMs with factory teams, reviewing approved samples, tech packs, materials, hardware and construction before bulk production.
• Review development, PP and TOP samples and give technical feedback on construction, workmanship and functionality.
• Perform and oversee inline and final (AQL) inspections, issue accurate inspection reports on time and escalate critical quality issues.
• Verify materials and components (PU/PVC/leather, nylon, canvas, linings, zippers, hardware, plating, edge paint, prints and embossing) against standards and lab testing requirements.
• Follow up production status and WIP regularly, align inspection schedules with factory production plans.
• Lead root cause analysis on quality issues and customer returns, drive CAP implementation and verify its effectiveness.
• Train and coach vendor QC teams, mentor junior QA/QC staff and share quality alerts and case studies.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Product Development and other parties to resolve quality issues and support on-time delivery.
• Monitor factory daily operations, compliance issues, internal quality control systems (sharp tool control, needle/metal detection) and product safety requirements.

Required profile

• At least 5 years' QA/QC experience in handbags, leather goods or accessories manufacturing, including at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Bachelor's degree or technical college diploma.
• Fluent English; Mandarin is a plus.
• Regular factory visits within Cambodia and regional travel as required.

Required skills

• Strong technical knowledge of handbag construction, materials (genuine/PU leather, PVC, nylon, canvas), trims, hardware, edge finishing, printing and embossing.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes (cutting, skiving, stitching, edge painting, assembly, finishing) and factory quality control systems.
• Expertise in AQL inspection, defect classification and physical, chemical and product safety testing.
• Proven track record in root cause analysis, corrective action and vendor quality improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).