Shekhar Kumar
Barnala
Summary
Senior Quality Leader with 7+ years of experience in home textiles and terry towel manufacturing. Currently serving as Quality Head at Trident Limited (Towel Division), leading a team of ~50 professionals across quality assurance, testing, audits, and continuous improvement. Proven expertise in buyer compliance, third-party inspections, vendor quality audits, certifications, SOP development, waste reduction, and process excellence. Trusted Vendor Quality Auditor for Ralph Lauren, enabling 85% RL-good dispatch performance.
Results-driven Quality Manager known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Specialize in process improvement, quality assurance protocols, and regulatory compliance. Excel in leadership, communication, and problem-solving to achieve continuous improvement objectives. Committed to maintaining safety standards and enhancing product quality across operations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Head
Trident Limited
Barnala
05.2025 - Current
- Overall responsible for quality of Terry Towel and Bathrobe manufacturing units
- Leading and managing a team of ~50 quality engineers, supervisors, inspectors, and lab personnel
- Ensuring end-to-end quality from raw material sourcing to finished product dispatch
- Managing and coordinating third-party inspections and buyer final inspections
- Acting as Vendor Quality Auditor for Ralph Lauren, ensuring ~85% RL-good dispatch approval
- Overall responsible for technical audits and certification audits including GOTS, GRS, OCS, RWS, BCI
- Responsible for all physical and chemical testing activities and lab compliance
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining SOPs and Quality Manuals across units
- Managing sub-supplier quality requirements and conducting regular vendor quality audits
- Leading internal quality audits and audit closure through CAPA
- Driving quality improvement routines, Kaizen initiatives, and cross-functional quality projects
- Creating and enforcing chemical purchase and handling policies as per buyer requirements
- Reducing waste, rejections, and rework through data-driven quality controls
- Primary point of contact for buyers regarding quality feedback, claims, and technical queries
- Developed quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives effectively.
- Collaborated with suppliers to enhance product specifications and quality requirements.
- Analyzed quality data trends to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments.
- Monitored product performance against customer specifications and standards, ensuring that all products met the required standards.
- Identified root causes for defects by analyzing statistical data from test results, customer feedback and other sources.
- Investigated customer complaints regarding product quality issues and developed strategies for resolution.
- Developed and implemented quality management systems to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
Functional Expert – Quality
Trident Limited
Barnala
06.2022 - 04.2025
- Ensured quality compliance for dyed and finished fabrics, yarns, and outsourced materials
- Coordinated testing and reporting with Intertek, SGS, and Bureau Veritas
- Managed buyer portals including IKEA Connect, Walmart Retail, and OEKO-TEX
- Conducted PP meetings and ensured approval readiness before bulk production
- Led R&D and new product development aligned with buyer and market requirements
- Supported customer audits and certification renewals
- Member of recruitment committee for contract labor hiring
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
Management Executive
Riviera Home Furnishing
Panipat
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed order confirmations and time-action plans for production execution
- Ensured quality compliance through sample approvals and raw material monitoring
- Tracked daily production progress and ensured on-time shipments
- Led R&D and product development from concept to commercialization
Executive
Raymond Limited
Vapi
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Improved loom productivity and fabric quality through performance analysis
- Maintained departmental records for production, quality, and maintenance
- Programmed monogram designs and supported new developments
- Reduced machine breakdowns through preventive quality practices
Education
M.Tech - Textile Engineering & Management
NIT Jalandhar
B.Tech - Textile Technology
TIT&S Bhiwani
Diploma - Textile Technology
Govt. Polytechnic Hisar
Skills
- End-to-End Quality Management
- Terry Towel & Bathrobe Manufacturing Quality
- Third-Party & Buyer Inspections
- Vendor & Sub-Supplier Quality Audits
- RCA, CAPA and Continuous Improvement
- GOTS, GRS, OCS, RWS, BCI, OEKO-TEX
- ISO Compliance
- Testing Management
- SOP & Quality Manual Development
- Waste Reduction & Rejection Control
- Kaizen & Quality Improvement Projects
- Buyer Communication
- Complaint Handling
- Team Leadership
- Workforce Management
- SAP, ERP, MS Excel, Minitab
- Risk management
- Team leadership
- Statistical analysis
- Certified quality auditor
- Quality management systems
- Product inspection
Certification
- ISO 17025 – Bureau Veritas
- Total Quality Management (TQM) – Intertek
- Physical & Chemical Testing as per AATCC, ISO & IS Standards – Intertek
- In-plant Training: RSWM Ltd, Rana Polycot, Trident Limited, Flock Fab India
Professional Activities And Publications
- Published research papers in Asian Textile Journal and international conferences
- Lifetime Member – Textile Association of India (TAI)
- Organizer – Technical Textile Committee, TIT&S Bhiwani
- Attendee – World Textile Conference & ITME Mumbai
Timeline
Quality Head
Trident Limited
05.2025 - Current
Functional Expert – Quality
Trident Limited
06.2022 - 04.2025
Management Executive
Riviera Home Furnishing
08.2019 - 07.2020
Executive
Raymond Limited
07.2017 - 06.2019
M.Tech - Textile Engineering & Management
NIT Jalandhar
B.Tech - Textile Technology
TIT&S Bhiwani
Diploma - Textile Technology
Govt. Polytechnic Hisar