Production & Quality Control Technician

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.