Quality Assurance Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Borough of Wyre; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to oversee compliance with safety regulations and ensure product quality in the toy industry. The role involves leading cross-functional teams, managing customer concerns, and driving sustainability initiatives. Ideal candidates have a strong background in science or engineering and extensive experience with toy safety compliance. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Health insurance

Company events

23 days holidays (increasing to 25)

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in science or engineering.
• Extensive experience in children's toy and scooter compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of UK and European Toy Safety Directives.
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks like ISO, GRS, FSC.
• Experience with manufacturers and social accountability frameworks.
• Exceptional communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Proactive and self-motivated work approach.

Responsibilities

• Ensure products comply with UK and European Safety Directives.
• Provide quality assurance throughout the product life cycle.
• Implement and monitor sustainability initiatives per ISO standards.
• Lead cross-functional project teams to meet quality targets.
• Act as liaison for customer feedback and safety concerns.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality and safety practices.

Skills

Technical background in science or engineering

Experience in children's toy compliance

Knowledge of Toy Safety Directives

Familiarity with environmental standards

Experience with Far East manufacturers

Exceptional communication skills

Proactive approach

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.