CONTEXT
As part of the strong development of its business with its Italian partners, Hermès has created a new entity to ensure quality control and to closely support them during the industrial transition led by its Métiers (Women’s and Men’s Ready-to-Wear, Home, Jewelry, Fashion Accessories). Working in close collaboration with them, this entity structures an organization designed to prioritize HSE compliance monitoring, the implementation of Quality Control, and the optimization of local logistics. It will also contribute locally to the deployment of CSR action plans and traceability initiatives.
POSITIONING
Within the overall HITO organizational structure, the position reports hierarchically to the HITO Quality Manager and has a functional reporting line to the Purchasing Managers and Materials Quality Managers of the PAP F, PAP H, Hats & Gloves and Maison teams, based in France (Pantin).
MAIN MISSION
The Textile & Components Quality Supervisor acts as the local Italian reference for the Purchasing and Materials Quality teams of the Métiers.
The role involves working with material and component suppliers, as well as with control bodies in Italy, to ensure that supplies comply with the Maison’s requirements and quality standards.
The position contributes to the progressive alignment of suppliers with the specific quality requirements defined by the different métiers, supporting the formalization and updating of standards when necessary.
The role also collaborates in the timely and effective management of quality alerts related to materials and components, ensuring a rigorous and precise approach.
I. Support Production Launch and Manufacturing Follow-up
The role intervenes after the industrialization and fine-tuning phase of textile raw materials and components. In collaboration with the Métiers teams, production requiring support during launch or throughout the production process are identified.
The supervisor verifies, at tier‑1 suppliers and where necessary at tier‑2 subcontractors, the compliance of raw materials with internal standards validated at the end of industrialization and with general specifications (e.g. color fastness, dimensional stability, etc.). Ensures clear understanding and correct application of guidelines and quality control plans.
Participates in quality inspections at suppliers’ premises and, when required, validates initial production batches.
Regularly assesses suppliers’ level of alignment with internal quality control requirements (R&R methodology) and provides the necessary support to develop their competencies. May also verify the conformity of manufacturing processes (machine settings, defined operating cycles).
II. Support to External Control Centers in Italy
Acts as the main point of contact for external inspection centers on all matters related to quality compliance.
In case of doubts regarding conformity raised by a control center, intervenes promptly to characterize and assess the incident. Depending on the seriousness and nature of the issue, may approve the raw material, grant a waiver, or request input and validation from the Métiers teams. In all cases, ensures communication with Purchasing and Quality teams to keep them informed and/or obtain decisions.
Assesses the evolution of the control center’s alignment with Hermès’ quality requirements and qualifies supplier competencies.
Coordinates action plans and monitors progress.
III. Quality Incident Management
May intervene at material and component suppliers in the event of significant quality issues occurring during production.
Supports suppliers in confirming non‑conformities, approving or granting waivers, or in sizing incidents to consult Purchasing and Quality teams with all necessary elements.
In coordination with finished product quality control technicians, may visit manufacturers following a quality alert related to materials or components, supporting them in characterizing and quantifying the issue (scope, photographic evidence, traceability, etc.) and, where possible, identifying corrective solutions (sorting, waiver vs. standard, return to supplier, etc.). Ensures proper information flow and coordination with the Purchasing and Quality teams of the Métiers.
May be required to validate certain deviations from standards, informing internal teams and formalizing decisions.
IV. Support for Returns Due to Non‑Conformity and Associated Repairs
Supports suppliers during remediation operations, particularly by validating conformity prior to re‑delivery.
WORKPLACE: Milano
The Quality Supervisor will travel very frequently to production sites and to the headquarters in Pantin and Paris for training purposes, to follow collection development, and to maintain strong links with the Purchasing and Quality teams of the Métiers.
PROFILE
Education : Engineering degree or equivalent, technical background
Experience: Significant professional experience in material quality control, preferably in textiles. Proven experience in problem‑solving and luxury textile quality requirements.
Professional Skills and Competency:
Strong ability and desire to share knowledge and support stakeholders in qualitative development
Strong interest in fieldwork and in production and laboratory environments
Excellent organizational skills with a clear sense of priorities
Results‑oriented mindset combined with strong methodological rigor
High degree of autonomy and responsiveness
Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders, negotiate and drive convergence toward common goals
Excellent interpersonal skills
Languages: Fluent Italian and French or English
Our Commitment
Hermès is committed to generating, supporting, and promoting the values of diversity and inclusion, contributing to the creation of a diverse workforce of unique and talented individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and worldviews that enrich our Maison.
About the Hermès Group
A creator, craftsman, and distributor of high‑quality objects, Hermès has been a French, family‑owned, and independent maison since 1837, employing nearly 20,000 people worldwide. Driven by a continuous entrepreneurial spirit and high standards, Hermès encourages freedom and autonomy through responsible management. The company perpetuates a tradition of exceptional craftsmanship rooted in local territories, respecting people and natural resources. Sixteen artisanal métiers fuel the creativity of the maison, whose collections are showcased in more than 300 stores worldwide.
