Overview
ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a Head of Quality, Technical, Compliance, and Sourcing. This is a newly created role and a rare opportunity to join our Partnership. This is a key senior leadership position responsible for the end-to-end oversight of Own Brand product delivery, uniting the Sourcing and Quality & Technical functions under a single strategic leader. The primary focus is to ensure the Partnership delivers the right product, at the right price, with the right quality standard, supporting commercial ambitions, margin growth, and brand integrity.
The role will lead teams in the UK and work closely with international sourcing offices in India and Hong Kong. It serves as the initial link between the commercial and sourcing functions, ensuring that category strategies are effectively translated into sourcing execution and supplier capabilities, while maintaining robust quality and compliance standards.
* Salary - £121,000.00 - £181,000.00
* Contract type - This position is a Permanent contract.
* Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you\'ll be able to work a mixture between the office and home-based, upon your personal needs, whilst balancing the needs of the business.
* Location - This role is based at our London Head Office campus in Pimlico. There is also travel for this role to our sourcing offices locations in India and Hong Kong
* Please note - The 1st Stage interview will be in person in our London Head Office in Pimlico on Thursday, 13th November.
Key responsibilities
* Lead the UK Sourcing and Quality & Technical teams, ensuring collaboration. Drive all Own Brand products, collaborating with the commercial teams on ideas to quality.
* Determine where to source products, consolidate suppliers, secure favourable deals while expanding supply options. Maintain vigilance on product quality from start to finish, ensuring factories and suppliers meet high standards. Work with other category teams to help achieve bigger brand and business goals.
* Be responsible for key sourcing and product quality decisions, reporting directly to senior leadership and influencing how the Partnership makes decisions.
* Work closely with regional offices in India and Hong Kong, and the UK manufacturing unit. Hold leads, suppliers and factories accountable for all aspects of product delivery and quality.
* Ensure sustainable and ethical sourcing, working with the Head of Corporate Responsibility. Stay informed about customer needs, market trends, and new tech through insights and network.
Essential skills / experience
Senior Leadership Experience: Proven senior leadership experience in sourcing, quality, and technical management in both Fashion & Home.
Strategic & Commercial Acumen : Strategic thinking with the ability to create and deliver sourcing and product assurance plans aligned with commercial goals. This includes understanding margin, cost levers, and deal-making dynamics. The role requires expert commerciality to drive profit through inspirational and differentiated products.
Sourcing & Supply Chain Expertise: Deep knowledge of global sourcing models, including nearshore/offshore dynamics and vendor optimisation. Experience managing large groups of partners and an understanding of the supply chain across multiple product types and manufacturing are essential.
Quality & Technical Knowledge : A sound understanding of product quality, safety, compliance and sustainability standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to influence both up and down. With close collaboration across matrix functions, particularly Commercial and Design teams and the global supplier base with a proven track record of developing internal and external networks.
Team Leadership : Inspirational and visible leadership to unite previously separate functions under a shared purpose. The ability to lead through change and empower teams to make decisions and resolve challenges is crucial.
This role is for the UK's largest employee-owned business, so experience in a comparable, large-scale retail company, especially one with both physical and online channels, would be highly beneficial.
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Important dates and additional information
Closing Date: October 28, 2025
Pay: £121,000.00 - £181,000.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35
Job Level: Partnership Level 4
Where You'll Be Working: London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ
About the Partnership:
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail, continuing to innovate, adapt and diversify. We value work-life balance with flexible working where possible. We encourage you to discuss flexibility with the hiring manager during your interview.
Important notes: Some roles may require pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks). If required, you’ll be informed during recruitment. DBS checks are carried out by a third-party body and financial probity checks may also be required for some roles.
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