Production Trainer & Quality Lead – Artisan Production (Nepal)

Production Trainer & Quality Lead – Artisan Production (Nepal)

At cuddle+kind, we create hand-knit, heirloom-quality dolls made with love and purpose — every doll provides meals to children in need. Our products are thoughtfully designed, carefully crafted, and created to be cherished for generations.

We are looking for a Production Trainer / QC Lead to join our team in Kathmandu, Nepal, playing a critical role in supporting artisan excellence across both production and quality. This role bridges technical training, quality standards, and hands-on production support to help ensure every doll meets the care, craftsmanship, and consistency that define cuddle+kind.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is highly detail-oriented, patient, and collaborative — someone who takes pride in coaching artisan teams, solving problems proactively, and helping bring beautiful products to life with consistency and care.

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

Department: Production & Product Quality

Reports to: Manager - Operation and Suppliers Management

Contact: Susan Gyanaprakasham Shrestha  | 9849850916 | susangyanaprakashamshrestha@gmail.com

About the Role

We are seeking a Production Trainer & QC Lead to support artisan production across our supplier network in Nepal.

This role combines hands-on artisan training with quality oversight to ensure our handmade products meet company standards for craftsmanship, consistency, and safety.

The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers and artisan groups to improve production techniques, reduce defects, and ensure consistent product quality across all production partners.

This role plays a critical part in strengthening our production capabilities as we grow our artisan network.

Key Responsibilities

Artisan Training s Skill Development

• Train artisans on correct knitting techniques, assembly methods, and finishing standards.
• Demonstrate best practices for efficiency, consistency, and product accuracy.
• Support onboarding and training of new artisans and production teams.
• Provide guidance when introducing new products or designs into production.

Quality Control & Inspect

• Conduct in-line and final product inspections across supplier workshops.
• Ensure products meet product specifications, measurements, and finishing standards.
• Identify quality issues early in production to prevent large-scale defects.

Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate recurring defects and identify root causes.
• Provide targeted training to eliminate common production errors.
• Work with suppliers' QC team to improve production techniques and processes

Supplier Support

• Ensure suppliers have sample dolls and matching TechPacks for quoting and training. (This may include reviewing TechPacks to ensure accuracy to avoid confusion with suppliers.)
• Collaborate with supplier managers to ensure artisans are properly trained before production begins.
• Provide guidance on improving production consistency and craftsmanship.
• Support suppliers in developing more stable artisan teams.
• Implement C+K’s auditing program

Quality Monitoring & Reporting

• Create and implement a tracking system to record C report quality issues and defect trends.
• Learn how defects are categorized (ie. Level 1, 2, 3) and how to properly assess finished goods.
• Assist Toronto office for sample requirements for CMA/regulatory testing.
• Work with the production team to implement corrective actions and improvements.
• Ensure quality standards are consistently maintained across suppliers.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years experience in textile, handmade product manufacturing, or artisan production
• Strong understanding of knitting, crochet, embroidery and handmade finishing techniques
• Experience in quality inspection or production training
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Ability to travel frequently between supplier workshops
• Proficient in word, excel, google sheets, google docs, etc.

Key Competencies

• Artisan training and coaching
• Quality inspection and defect identification
• Process improvement
• High attention to detail
• Proficient use to google sheets and/or excel
• Strong interpersonal communication
• English speaking

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Improved product quality consistency across suppliers
• Reduced defect rates
• Faster training and ramp-up of new suppliers
• Higher production efficiency without compromising quality