Jayaprakash Ramakrishnan

Accredited and quality-driven leader with 20+ years of experience in formulating and executing quality improvement strategies across the apparel industry. Proven expertise in setting up and enhancing quality standards, internal auditing, supplier performance evaluation, and QMS implementation across the entire value chain. Skilled in proactively identifying quality gaps, optimizing processes, and minimizing customer returns while maintaining quality costs within budget. Adept at driving adherence to critical SOPs, regulatory compliance, and executing comprehensive quality audits. Experienced in CAPA, resource optimization, and developing virtual QA systems for seamless quality documentation and process tracking. Demonstrated ability in evaluating supplier performance based on rejection rates, quality improvement, on-time delivery, RFT, testing outcomes, final inspection failures, and customer feedback. Strong collaborator with cross-functional teams, effectively prioritizing and managing tasks to ensure timely and quality outcomes. Excellent stakeholder engagement across all organizational levels—interacting with clients and suppliers to ensure smooth project execution and sustainable results aligned with evolving market demands and customer expectations.

• Quality Strategy & Planning, Defined and implemented comprehensive QA strategies aligned with company goals., Developed annual quality improvement plans and KPI targets.
• Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation, Ensuring effective deployment of ISO 9001 or other relevant QMS frameworks., Maintained updated SOPs, manuals, and control plans across the value chain.
• Product Quality Assurance, Established quality standards for raw materials, in-line, and final product inspections., Drive zero-defect initiatives and monitor First Pass Yield (FPY) rates.
• Supplier/Vendor Quality Management, Developed vendor scorecards and seasonal performance metrics., Audited inhouse and on boarded new suppliers while driving continuous quality improvement., Ensuring adherence to AQL standards, RSL/REACH/other compliance requirements.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building, Lead, coached, and developed QA teams across multiple factories/regions., Conducted training programs for QA inspectors, inline checkers, and production staff.
• Root Cause Analysis & CAPA, Lead investigations of major defects, customer complaints, and returns., Implemented corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and track effectiveness.
• Customer & Compliance Audits, Interface with buyers for quality approvals and third-party inspections., Prepared for buyer and compliance audits (social, technical, COC, etc.).
• MIS & Reporting, Generated and analyzed quality performance dashboards and audit reports., Presented monthly reviews with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Process Optimization, Applied Lean/ 5S principles to eliminate waste and improve quality processes., Implemented in-line defect tracking systems and real-time quality monitoring tools.
• Cost of Quality Management, Controlled rework, rejection, and return costs through preventive systems., Ensure quality delivery within allocated annual budgets.