Cashmere Material Quality Lead

About the role

Quince is looking for a dedicated Cashmere Material Quality Lead to join their growing team and help uphold the brand's reputation for exceptional material standards. This role carries the responsibility of overseeing quality benchmarks for all cashmere materials that flow through the company's supply chain and into finished products. The lead will work in close partnership with sourcing teams, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders across Italy and China to ensure that every shipment of raw cashmere fiber meets the rigorous standards the brand demands. The position demands a hands-on approach to material evaluation, cross-regional coordination, and a deep commitment to consistency in luxury textile production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Establish and enforce clear quality benchmarks for all cashmere materials received from suppliers across Italy and China before they enter production.
• Conduct thorough inspections of raw cashmere fibers to verify grade, purity, fiber diameter, and overall consistency prior to manufacturing approval.
• Collaborate directly with sourcing managers to evaluate new suppliers, audit their facilities, and assess their material quality capabilities and track record.
• Develop comprehensive testing protocols and quality checklists that align with Quince's product standards and the expectations of discerning customers.
• Monitor active production lines at partner facilities to identify defects, irregularities, or deviations from approved material specifications in real time.
• Document all quality audit findings meticulously and prepare detailed reports for internal stakeholders, suppliers, and manufacturing partners on a regular basis.
• Lead root cause analysis sessions when material quality issues arise and recommend corrective actions designed to prevent recurrence in future batches.
• Coordinate closely with design and product development teams to ensure that material selections satisfy both aesthetic vision and long-term durability requirements.
• Train and mentor quality assurance staff members on advanced cashmere evaluation techniques, industry best practices, and emerging quality control methodologies.
• Stay current on advancements in cashmere sourcing, fiber processing technologies, and quality control methods that shape the global luxury textile landscape.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in textile quality assurance, material inspection, or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating natural fibers, with a particularly strong focus on cashmere and other luxury wool materials used in high-end apparel.
• Solid familiarity with quality management systems and internationally recognized standards applicable to textile manufacturing operations in both Italy and China.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed to conduct on-site inspections at supplier facilities and manufacturing partner locations across regions.
• A meticulous, detail-oriented mindset paired with a methodical approach to material evaluation, defect identification, and systematic quality improvement processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for preparing comprehensive quality reports and collaborating effectively with diverse cross-functional teams.
• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams that span sourcing, production, and product development functions within a fast-paced consumer goods environment.
• A relevant degree in textile science, materials engineering, or a closely related technical discipline is required for this position.

Nice to have

• Prior hands-on experience working directly with Italian or Chinese cashmere mills and established supplier networks in the luxury textile space.
• Knowledge of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices that are increasingly important in the modern luxury textile and apparel industry.
• Familiarity with international textile testing standards such as ISO specifications or Woolmark certification requirements and their practical application.
• Background in managing quality assurance teams or spearheading quality improvement initiatives at scale within a manufacturing or sourcing organization.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in conducting fiber grading and material composition analysis using standard laboratory testing equipment and established evaluation methods.
• Hands-on experience with quality management software platforms and digital audit tracking systems used to monitor supplier performance over time.
• Strong understanding of cashmere fiber characteristics, including micron count, staple length, luster, and how these properties affect finished garment quality.
• Ability to read and interpret complex textile specifications, detailed bills of materials, and supplier documentation with accuracy and confidence.
• Competence in applying statistical process control methods for monitoring material consistency and detecting trends that may indicate emerging quality risks.
• Familiarity with import and export documentation as well as customs quality requirements for textiles moving between Italy, China, and other global markets.

Practical notes

• This role requires regular and frequent travel to supplier facilities and manufacturing partner locations in both Italy and China throughout the year.
• The position involves close coordination with teams spread across multiple time zones and cultural contexts, requiring strong adaptability and communication skills.
• Candidates should be prepared to work with flexible schedules during peak production periods, seasonal audits, and critical supplier review cycles.
• Quince values candidates who bring a deep respect for artisan craftsmanship, material integrity, and a genuine passion for quality in luxury textiles.