Product Quality Manager

The Recruitment Group; Tutbury; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in children's product safety is seeking a detail-oriented Product Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance for timber-based children's products. The role requires strong knowledge of child safety regulations and quality management experience in the furniture or outdoor play sectors. Responsibilities include maintaining quality standards, conducting compliance testing, leading supplier audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers a salary of £45,000 with potential for a higher package depending on experience, alongside travel support.

Benefits

Travel support

Potential for higher salary package

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of timber materials for children's products.
• Strong working knowledge of child safety regulations.
• Experience in quality management for furniture or play equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain quality standards for children’s products.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Conduct physical testing and assess hazards.
• Lead supplier audits for sustainable sourcing.
• Manage corrective actions related to product issues.
• Collaborate with design teams for safety and ergonomics.
• Maintain documentation for compliance and customer assurance.
• Train quality teams on protocols and standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for safety.

Skills

Understanding of timber materials

Knowledge of child safety regulations

Experience in quality management

Skills in quality systems like ISO 9001

Strong communication abilities

Problem-solving proficiency

Job description

Job Title – Product Quality Manager

We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-driven Product Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance for our timber-based children's physical development products. As Product Quality Manager, you will be responsible for play equipment, educational furniture, and developmental toys, all designed to support children's growth through safe, durable, and sustainable materials.

This is a pivotal role within our product team, and the Product Quality Manager will ensure that everything we produce meets the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality. The ideal Product Quality Manager will bring experience from the furniture industry or outdoor play equipment sector, with a strong understanding of timber products and child safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust quality standards for children’s products—covering raw timber, joints, coatings, and final assemblies.
• Ensure product compliance with international safety and quality standards (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO standards for playground equipment).
• Conduct physical testing (strength, stability, moisture resistance, etc.) and assess potential hazards such as splintering, entrapment, and toxicity.
• Lead supplier audits both in the UK and internationally, ensuring sustainable sourcing, ethical practices, and certifications (FSC, PEFC).
• Manage corrective actions related to customer complaints, product failures, or compliance findings.
• Collaborate with design and R&D teams to ensure safety and ergonomics are considered from concept through to launch.
• Maintain detailed documentation for internal compliance, certification bodies, and customer assurance.
• Train internal quality teams on product safety protocols and timber quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, enhancing durability, and maximizing product safety.

Qualifications & Skills

• In-depth understanding of timber materials and engineered woods suitable for children's products.
• Strong working knowledge of child safety regulations (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO 8124).
• Prior experience in quality management for furniture, outdoor play equipment, or similar children's products.
• Skilled in quality systems such as ISO 9001 and risk management tools.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities; able to work cross-functionally and influence suppliers.
• Proficiency in problem-solving, including root cause analysis and preventive planning.

Preferred Attributes

• Background in children’s ergonomic design and developmental needs.
• Familiarity with child-safe coatings, adhesives, and finishes (e.g. low VOC, saliva-resistant).
• Experience with third-party testing and certification processes.
• Awareness of sustainability practices in timber manufacturing.

Salary & Benefits

This Product Quality Manager role offers a base salary of £45,000, with the potential for a higher package depending on experience and industry background. Travel to suppliers (UK and international) is part of the role and will be fully supported.

If you’re passionate about product safety, sustainability, and making a real impact on children’s development through well-designed products, this Product Quality Manager position could be the perfect next step in your career.

Click the link to apply today.