About the Role:

This position is for one of India's largest jewellery brands.

We are seeking an exceptionally experienced and visionary Head of Quality Assurance (QA) to establish, lead, and continually elevate our client's comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) across all facets of our jewellery manufacturing operations in Mumbai.

This strategic leadership role is paramount to embedding a culture of quality excellence, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that every product not only meets but exceeds stringent national and international quality standards. The ideal candidate will be a proactive expert in process optimization, regulatory compliance, and risk management within the intricate world of fine jewellery.

Experience: 15 - 20 years in Quality Assurance & Management, with significant experience in the Jewellery Manufacturing sector, and at least 7+ years in a senior leadership role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Quality Management System (QMS) Leadership:

- Design, develop, implement, and continuously refine the overarching Quality Management System (QMS) for all jewellery products, ensuring alignment with Management System (QMS) for all jewellery products, ensuring alignment with global standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and industrys best practices.

- Establish and enforce comprehensive quality policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern every stage of the product lifecycle, from design and raw material sourcing to manufacturing, final inspection, and dispatch.

- Champion a proactive, prevention-focused quality culture across all departments (Design, Procurement, Production, QC, Sales, Service) to embed quality principles from concept to customer.

- Drive strategic quality planning by setting ambitious quality objectives, KPIs, and targets in alignment with the company's business goals and market demands.

2. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

- Analyze quality data and trends (from QC, production, and customer feedback) to identify systemic root causes of defects and inefficiencies across the entire value chain.

- Lead and manage continuous improvement initiatives utilizing methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to optimize production processes, reduce variability, eliminate waste, and enhance overall operational efficiencies.

- Collaborate closely with R&D and Design teams to integrate "Design for Quality" principles, ensuring new products are inherently designed for manufacturability and superior quality.

- Implement process control measures to monitor and maintain process stability, ensuring consistent output quality.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Auditing:

Ensure absolute adherence to all national and international regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to jewellery manufacturing and sales, with specific emphasis on:

- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Hallmarking for gold, silver, and platinum.

- Ethical sourcing guidelines for precious metals and gemstones (e.g., Kimberley Process, RJC).

- Any import/export regulations related to quality and testing.

- Plan, execute, and manage comprehensive internal and external quality audits to assess QMS effectiveness, identify non-conformities, and drive corrective actions.

- Act as the primary liaison during regulatory inspections and third-party certifications, ensuring all documentation and processes are audit ready.

4. Risk Management & Supplier Quality Assurance:

- Identify, assess, and mitigate potential quality risks throughout the product lifecycle, from supply chain vulnerabilities to manufacturing challenges.

- Develop and implement robust Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) programs to evaluate, qualify, and monitor supplier performance for raw materials (metals, diamonds, gemstones, findings) and outsourced services.

- Conduct supplier audits and collaborate with procurement to resolve supplier quality issues and drive improvement.

5. Talent Development & Cross-Functional Leadership:

- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing QA team, including Quality System Specialists, Auditors, and potentially Senior QA Engineers, fostering their expertise in quality management principles.

- Design and deliver comprehensive quality training programs for all employees across the organization to enhance quality awareness, promote best practices, and ensure compliance with QMS procedures.

- Facilitate strong cross-functional collaboration between QA, QC, Production, Design, Procurement, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure seamless quality integration and problem resolution.

6. Data Analysis, Reporting & Communication:

- Establish and manage a robust system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on key quality metrics (e.g., Cost of Poor Quality, Defect Prevention Rate, Audit Findings, Customer Satisfaction related to Quality).

- Provide strategic insights and regular, comprehensive quality performance reports to senior management, highlighting trends, risks, and proposed solutions.

- Effectively communicate quality initiatives and results across the organization to drive engagement and understanding.

Qualifications & Skills:

- Bachelors degree in engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Management, Gemology, or a related technical field. A master's degree or advanced certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Quality Manager (CQM), ISO Lead Auditor) are highly preferred.

- 15-20 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Management within the jewellery manufacturing industry, with at least 7+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing a significant QMS.

- Deep expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001).

- Thorough understanding of jewellery manufacturing processes (casting, setting, polishing, plating, assembly) and their associated quality control points.

- Expert knowledge of precious metals and gemstones, including their properties, grading standards (especially GIA 4Cs for diamonds), and ethical sourcing. GIA GG or equivalent gemological certification is highly desirable.

- Proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, FMEA, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

- Strong understanding of Indian jewellery regulations, particularly BIS Hallmarking standards, and global compliance requirements.

- Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams at all levels.

- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a strong data-driven approach.

- Superior communication and presentation skills to effectively convey complex quality concepts and performance data to various stakeholders.

- Proficiency in relevant software including ERP systems, QMS software, and advanced analytical tools.