MidFull TimeEN
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.
