Head of Quality Assurance & Sustainability
Toys Manufacturing & Distribution
South East, UK
Competitive Package
The Company
Our client is a fast-growing toy manufacturing and distribution business that is based in the South-East (UK). The company has an incredible team that is very experienced in product design, toy sourcing and is well set up with a wide range of trusted vendors in the Far East.
The Role
This role exists to lead and develop the Group’s Quality Assurance (QA) and Sustainability strategy, ensuring all products, vendors and processes meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. This role will champion best-in-class ESG practices, drive operational excellence across QA functions, and position sustainability as a core strategic pillar for the Group's businesses and brands.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure all products sold by the Group companies meet applicable legislation, safety standards and our policies.
* Ensure the QA function provides product development support that effectively manages safety risk, ensures legal compliance, delivers robust quality assurance and helps create a differentiated range of great value products.
* Implement and oversee robust product testing, risk assessment and concerns management procedures.
* Develop and implement Group QA and ESG policies, systems and standards, delivering operational efficiency and scalable processes.
* Represent the Group in matters related to toy safety, compliance and sustainability with UK and international partners, regulators and industry bodies.
* Ensure all vendors and manufacturing sites comply with Group policies.
* Define, lead and embed the Group sustainability strategy, aligning with business objectives and brand values.
* Drive cross-functional sustainability initiatives delivering measurable impact and competitive advantage.
* Oversee ESG reporting, performance metrics and continuous improvement across the business.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant sustainability and environmental legislation.
* Build sustainability awareness and capability across the organisation through training and influence.
* Ensure ethical sourcing and human rights legislation compliance, including compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act.
* Develop and maintain supplier audit frameworks, standards and improvement programmes.
* Lead cross-group projects to support compliance, sustainability and continuous improvement.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging legislation, risks and industry best practice.
* Build relationships with industry associations, NGOs, regulatory agencies and key stakeholders.
Skills and Experience
* Significant experience leading QA and/or sustainability teams in a consumer goods environment (preferably toys or children’s products).
* Expert knowledge of UK/EU/US toy safety standards, compliance frameworks and ESG legislation.
* Proven ability to design and implement a sustainability strategy with measurable results.
* Strong understanding of ethical sourcing, supply chain standards and manufacturing operations.
* Demonstrable leadership experience across international teams.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Degree in Engineering, Science, Quality Management or related field desired.
* Experience working with Asian manufacturing hubs, particularly China/Hong Kong.
* Experience with retailer compliance schemes and ESG reporting frameworks.
* Strategic thinker with the ability to balance compliance and commercial priorities.
* High integrity and commitment to ethical business practices.
* Problem-solver with strong analytical and project management skills.
If this opportunity is perceived to be suitable, please email us your CV.