IN-LINE QUALITY ASSURER - DURBAN

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading South African manufacturer specialising in branded apparel, promotional merchandise and customised clothing solutions. They are committed to delivering products of exceptional quality while maintaining the highest manufacturing standards.

They are looking to appoint an experienced In-Line Quality Assurer to join their Quality team and play a critical role in ensuring every product leaving the production floor meets both customer expectations and company quality standards.

This role is ideal for an individual with a sharp eye for detail, a passion for quality and the confidence to identify and resolve issues before products progress through the manufacturing process.

About the Role

The In-Line Quality Assurer is responsible for inspecting products throughout the embroidery and production process to ensure they comply with approved specifications, customer requirements and internal quality standards.

Working closely with Production Supervisors, Embroidery Operators and Warehouse teams, you will identify defects early, minimise rework, reduce waste and ensure only products meeting the required standards proceed to the next stage of production.

This is a hands-on quality assurance role requiring excellent attention to detail, sound technical judgement and the confidence to maintain quality standards within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

First-Off Sample Inspection

• Inspect and approve first-off samples before bulk production commences.
• Verify embroidery against approved artwork, customer specifications and production requirements.
• Confirm thread colours, placement, sizing and stitch quality.
• Ensure correct backing materials, stabilisers and needles have been selected.
• Approve production only once quality standards have been achieved.

In-Line Quality Control

• Conduct continuous quality inspections throughout the production process.
• Monitor embroidery quality across multiple production lines.
• Identify defects such as thread breaks, poor registration, tension issues, puckering and stitch inconsistencies.
• Ensure machine settings remain consistent throughout production.
• Work closely with operators to resolve quality concerns immediately.
• Prevent defective products from progressing further through production.

Final Product Inspection

• Perform final quality inspections before products are released for packing and dispatch.
• Verify finished products against customer specifications.
• Inspect trimming, backing removal, presentation and overall finish.
• Confirm quantities, garment sizes and branding accuracy.
• Ensure only compliant products are approved for dispatch.

Quality Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate quality inspection records.
• Record recurring quality defects and identify trends.
• Assist Production Management in implementing corrective actions.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce waste and improve product consistency.
• Support operator training where recurring quality issues are identified.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.

Key Performance Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy of quality inspections.
• Reduction in production defects and rework.
• Product compliance with customer specifications.
• Reduction in material wastage.
• Timely identification and resolution of quality issues.
• Accurate quality reporting.
• Overall improvement in manufacturing quality standards.
• Customer satisfaction through consistent product quality.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Minimum 2–3 years' experience within a quality assurance role.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production teams.

Highly Advantageous

• Previous experience within an embroidery, garment, textile or promotional merchandise manufacturing environment.
• Experience inspecting embroidered products.
• Knowledge of commercial embroidery machines including ZSK, Tajima or Barudan.
• Understanding of garment construction, fabrics and embroidery techniques.
• Experience working with quality management systems and production documentation.

Skills & Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent visual inspection skills.
• High standards of quality and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to identify defects quickly and accurately.
• Professional judgement and confidence when making quality decisions.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Organised and methodical approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Working Environment

This role operates within a busy embroidery and garment manufacturing environment where maintaining exceptional product quality is essential to customer satisfaction and business success.

The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time on the production floor, working closely with operators and supervisors to ensure quality standards are consistently maintained throughout the manufacturing process. The ability to remain focused, objective and accurate while working to demanding production deadlines is essential.

What's on Offer

• R8,500 – R15,000 CTC per month
• Permanent, full-time opportunity.
• Opportunity to join an established South African manufacturing business.
• Stable working environment with long-term career prospects.
• Collaborative production and quality team.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to product quality, operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Application Process

If you have a passion for quality, exceptional attention to detail and experience within a manufacturing or garment production environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit the following:

• Updated CV
• Current CTC
• Salary expectation
• Notice period
• A brief motivation outlining why you're interested in the role.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Email - ***email_hidden***