Production & Quality Control Technician

<p><span>We are looking for our next Production &amp; Quality Control Technician.</span></p><div><p><span>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.</span></p></div><div><p><span>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.</span><br><br><br></p></div><div><p><span>WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR</span></p></div><div><p><span>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.</span><br><br><br></p></div><div><p><span>WHAT YOU WILL DO</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Monitor factories throughout all industrilisation processes - bulk quantities, material inspection, quality assurance and quality control.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Support factory technical teams during the industrialization of all styles.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Ensure all technical approvals are properly communicated for each style.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Monitor deadlines for industrialization and approve full-size range tooling.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Inspect and approve main materials upon arrival at factory warehouses.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Monitor production quality across all stages - cutting, stitching, assembling, and packing.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Maintain close daily follow-up with factories to ensure quality standards are met.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Report any production risks or issues in real time - delays, capacity constraints, quality concerns - to the AA Porto office.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Perform QC checks in line with AQL standards.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Use Qarma to complete and manage QC reports.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Follow up on production claims with factories.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Analyze and suggest process improvements to enhance product quality.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Report updates and findings to the AA Porto office.</span><br><br><br></p></li></ul><div><p><span>ARE YOU THE ONE?</span></p></div><div><ul><li><p><span>Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role in the footwear industry, working for a brand.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Drive license is mandatory</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience in footwear development and/or patternmaking is a plus.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Strong understanding of footwear construction and production processes.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experienced in QC and in the use of tools like Qarma.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Fluent in English, written and spoken.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Available to travel.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Able to manage multiple stakeholders and anticipate production challenges.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Proactive, team-oriented, and solution-driven in your approach.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Aligns with DROP values: Diversity, Respect, Openness, and Passion.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Behaves in accordance with the Company Code of Conduct.</span><br><br><br><br></p></li></ul></div><div><p><span>HERE'S HOW TO APPLY</span></p></div><div><p><span>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.</span></p></div><div><p><span>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.</span></p></div><div><p><span>We review applications continuously and the position may be filled before the closing date.</span><br><br><br></p></div><div><p><span>DETAILS</span></p></div><div><p><span>Reports to: Sourcing &amp; Production Manager</span></p></div></div><div><p><span>Role type: Full-time</span></p></div><div><p><span>Location: Felgueiras, Portugal</span></p></div><div><p><span>Work mode: On-site + travel required</span></p></div><div><p><span>Direct reports: No</span></p></div><div><p><span>Financial responsibility: No</span></p></div><div><p><span>Start date: ASAP</span><br><br></p></div><div><p></p></div><div><p><span>A BIT ABOUT AXEL ARIGATO</span></p></div><div><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>Grounded in Scandinavian minimalism and elevated with playful, intentional details, every piece is designed with care: crafted to move globally, worn with individuality.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>Built on curiosity. Driven by connection.</span><br></p></div><div><p><br></p></div><div><p><span>OUR VALUES</span></p></div><div><p><span>DROP: Diversity, Respect, Openness and Passion are our core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.</span></p></div>