Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

• Location: Kirkham (Office-based)
• Job Type: Full-time – Permanent
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Join one of the UK's leading independent designers and manufacturers, as a Quality Assurance Manager. This role is crucial in overseeing compliance with UK and European safety regulations, ensuring our products meet the highest industry standards. You will be working closely with internal teams, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders to uphold quality, safety, and sustainability throughout our product lifecycle.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all products comply with UK and European Safety Directives (EN71, EN14619) and other relevant standards. Stay updated with new or changing regulatory requirements and collaborate with UK Trading Standards and European Regulatory Authorities.
• Quality Assurance: Provide expertise throughout the product development process, oversee product testing and validation, and manage customer complaints and product claims related to safety or quality.
• Sustainability and Environmental Standards: Implement and monitor sustainability initiatives in line with ISO 14001, GRS, and FSC standards. Guide the development team to integrate sustainable practices into product design and manufacturing processes.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Lead cross-functional project teams to ensure quality and safety targets are met. Act as the primary liaison with retail technologists and buying teams.
• Customer and Retailer Interaction: Serve as the main point of contact for customer feedback and complaints related to product safety and quality. Collaborate with customers and retailers to resolve product safety concerns and ensure satisfaction.
• Product Development & Continuous Improvement: Review customer requirements, oversee the implementation of new standards, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and environmental practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong technical background in science or engineering, with a solid understanding of product safety and compliance requirements.
• Extensive experience in children’s toy and scooter compliance within European and global markets.
• In-depth knowledge of European and UK Toy Safety Directives, including EN71 Toy Testing Standards and EN14619.
• Familiarity with environmental and sustainability frameworks, including ISO, GRS, and FSC standards.
• Experience working with Far East manufacturers and understanding of social accountability frameworks such as ETI, GRS, SEDEX, and BSCI.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach, capable of working independently and as part of a team.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, company events, and 23 days holidays (rising to 25 over time).
• Opportunity to work with a market leader in the toy industry in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Engage with global stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Be part of a company committed to innovation and sustainability