Quality Assurance, Product Safety & Compliance Manager (Hybrid)
Location: Chesham (3 days office / 2 days WFH per week, after probation)
Reports to: Head of Product Development
Manages: 1 China-based QA Executive
Travel: 1–2 China trips per year
Role Purpose
To lead Craft Buddy’s product safety, quality, testing and compliance processes across all worldwide markets. This vital role owns the full QA lifecycle, from pre‑production to shipment release, and plays a key part in implementing Craft Buddy’s new Quality Management System. Strong communication skills are essential – the person must be able to synthesise and simplify complex technical information into clear, actionable requirements for suppliers, internal teams and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Quality and Safety Management System:
o Work with our QA Consultant and internal teams to help lead the design, rollout, and ongoing maintenance of Craft Buddy’s new Quality and Safety Management System.
o Translate complex standards, reports, and regulatory requirements into simple, practical workflows for product, operations, and suppliers.
o Support training and adoption of QMS processes across teams.
* Quality and Safety Assurance:
o Oversee seasonal Product Risk Assessments (Spring Summer / Autumn Winter).
o Review BOMs, specifications, samples, and inspection reports from China.
o Manage all lab testing activities: identify samples, submit to Intertek, track progress, discuss results, and maintain structured documentation.
o Maintain organised records of all test reports, SKU references, and QA files.
o Prepare special test packages for selected overseas key customers.
o Produce required reports (plastic tax, packaging material, microplastics, etc.).
o Issue Certificates of Conformity for FOB customers on request.
o Conduct vendor evaluations and manage vendor quality responsibilities.
o Track corrective actions, and ensure supplier follow‑up.
o Handle communication with customers and licensors on QA Matters.
* Compliance:
o Prepare customer questionnaires, audit forms, declarations, and compliance documentation.
o Monitor and file BSCI/SMETA/ethical audit reports.
o Ensure regulatory compliance across UK/EU/US (including standards such as EN71, REACH, CPSIA, ASTM, etc. – prior experience beneficial but not essential).
* Cross‑Functional Collaboration:
o Engage early with Product Development on artwork checks, packaging approvals, sample reviews, and design‑stage risk assessments.
o Manage the working relationship with Intertek and other external labs.
o Supervise and support the China‑based QA executive.
o Work closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure corrective actions are delivered; and communicate with external stakeholders (eg customers) on QA matters.
Skills & Experience
* Strong QA or compliance experience within consumer products.
* Experience working with Far East suppliers and QC/QA processes.
* Ability to synthesise complex technical information, and report it concisely and present it clearly.
* Highly organised with excellent documentation and follow‑through.
* Strong communication skills and confidence managing external partners.
Nice‑to‑Have
* Toy or craft industry QA experience.
* Knowledge of EN71, REACH, ASTM, CPSIA, BSCI/SMETA.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Quality Assurance
* Retail Art Supplies
Salary Range
£35,000.00‑£50,000.00
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