Production & Quality Control Technician

Description

Summary: Seeking a Production & Quality Control Technician to manage the full footwear production lifecycle, focusing on quality assurance and defect reduction. Highlights: 1. Manage full footwear production lifecycle with a quality-first mindset. 2. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to maintain high standards. 3. Proactive, solution-driven role in footwear quality control and improvement. We are looking for our next Production \& Quality Control Technician. This role covers the full lifecycle of footwear production – from industrilisation through to manufacturing \- with quality assurance and quality control at the center of everything. You will work closely with our Product Development teams and collaborate with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, playing a key role in maintain our high standards and keeping production running smoothly. The role calls for someone who stays focused on quality and always keeps the consumer in mind \- working directly with factories and suppliers to resolve challenges in real time. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR You combine a strong quality mindset with a data\-driven approach to defect reduction and process improvement. You know how to manage multiple stakeholders across factories, suppliers, and internal teams \- and you bring the cross\-team communication skills to make it work. Proactive, solution\-driven, and grounded in the realities of footwear production, you flag risks early and follow through. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Monitor factories throughout all industrilisation processes \- bulk quantities, material inspection, quality assurance and quality control. * Support factory technical teams during the industrialization of all styles. * Ensure all technical approvals are properly communicated for each style. * Monitor deadlines for industrialization and approve full\-size range tooling. * Inspect and approve main materials upon arrival at factory warehouses. * Monitor production quality across all stages \- cutting, stitching, assembling, and packing. * Maintain close daily follow\-up with factories to ensure quality standards are met. * Report any production risks or issues in real time \- delays, capacity constraints, quality concerns \- to the AA Porto office. * Perform QC checks in line with AQL standards. * Use Qarma to complete and manage QC reports. * Follow up on production claims with factories. * Analyze and suggest process improvements to enhance product quality. * Report updates and findings to the AA Porto office. ARE YOU THE ONE? * Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role in the footwear industry, working for a brand. * Drive license is mandatory * Experience in footwear development and/or patternmaking is a plus. * Strong understanding of footwear construction and production processes. * Experienced in QC and in the use of tools like Qarma. * Fluent in English, written and spoken. * Available to travel. * Able to manage multiple stakeholders and anticipate production challenges. * Proactive, team\-oriented, and solution\-driven in your approach. * Aligns with DROP values: Diversity, Respect, Openness, and Passion. * Behaves in accordance with the Company Code of Conduct. HERE'S HOW TO APPLY If you are ready to take ownership of quality across the full production lifecycle and make a real impact on how our footwear is built, apply today and join the next chapter of our creative journey. Apply by submitting your CV. We also welcome a short cover letter telling us why you think you would be a great fit for this role. Please do not include a photo or date of birth with your application; our recruitment process is competency based. We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date. DETAILS Reports to: Sourcing \& Production Manager Role type: Full\-time Location: Felgueiras, Portugal Work mode: On\-site \+ travel required Direct reports: No Financial responsibility: No Start date: ASAP A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO Founded in Sweden in 2014 by Albin Johansson and Max Svärdh, AXEL ARIGATO was born with a disruptive mindset, modernising and democratising the sneaker landscape through a blend of style, quality, community and a digital\-first approach. Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality. What began online expanded into physical spaces built for energetic cultural exchange: stores and experiences where conversations, performances and unexpected activations dissolve the boundaries between brand and culture. Today, AXEL ARIGATO continues to evolve with purpose via a people\-powered approach. It shows up where culture happens: on streets, at events and across cities. Built on curiosity. Driven by connection. OUR VALUES DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.