ABOUT CHARLES BENTLEY & SON LTD:
Believe it or not, Charles Bentley has been around since 1860, when we originally provided brushes for Victorian chimney sweepers We still manufacture and distribute an extensive range of brushes from our sites in Loughborough – around 2 million per year
We're also now a global supplier of stylish and fantastic quality home, garden and leisure products. Not only do we sell directly to consumers, we work with equally established high street brands such as Next, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Wilko to name a few.
From dining sets to children's outdoor toys and all things in between, we take the hard work out of shopping for your home by giving shoppers thousands of products to choose from. We leave no stone unturned and keep an eye on the latest trends so that you'll always find something new and up to date – just without the designer price tag
A big part of our philosophy is only selling products that we have discovered, created or made ourselves. Each product is put through its paces until we're satisfied and it's only then that we'll put our name on it and give our seal of approval. If it's not good enough for us, it's not good enough for you.
ROLE TITLE:
Quality Assurance Manager
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:
The Quality Assurance Manager will oversee the Company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and other regulatory, customer, and industry standards.
The Quality Assurance Manager will lead audits, manage product testing, and support sustainability and compliance initiatives across the business. They will also collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to ensure quality, legal, and environmental obligations are consistently met.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Maintain and continuously improve the ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System (QMS).
* Lead internal and external audits, including ISO 9001, FSC, and CHSA, ensuring timely closure of non-conformities.
* Develop, implement, and maintain quality policies, procedures, SOPs, and work instructions.
* Train and support staff in quality standards, processes, and best practices.
* Advise the Buying and New Product Development (NPD) teams on relevant product testing standards and certifications required for onboarding.
* Define, manage, and organise internal and external product testing, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and traceability of results.
* Liaise with suppliers to ensure accurate product records, including specifications, certifications, and test reports.
* Work with the Purchasing team to ensure product-specific quality, regulatory, and legal requirements are met.
* Organise and approve supplier inspections and audits across the product life cycle.
* Monitor product performance, analyse data, and produce reports for continuous improvement.
* Collect customer feedback to ensure requirements are met and contribute to product development and tenders.
* Manage compliance reporting.
* Develop and maintain the Company's Carbon Reduction Plan in line with government and customer requirements, working with colleagues and external partners.
* Support the Sales team by providing product and Company quality information for customer queries and tenders.
* Submit detailed quality and compliance reports to senior management (as required).
* Work with external partners and colleagues to achieve the Company's carbon reduction plan.
ROLE RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, BEHAVIOURS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
* Previous experience of managing ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and leading audits.
* Previous experience of collaborating across functions (NPD, Procurement, Sales) to ensure quality and compliance.
* Possess an in-depth understanding of quality control procedures and relevant legal standards.
* Possess a strong knowledge of product testing standards, regulatory compliance (FSC, CHSA), and supply chain assurance.
* Possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to train, influence, and engage stakeholders at all levels.
* Possess a keen eye for detail and a results driven approach.
* Possess excellent organisational and leadership skills.
* Possess strong analytical and reporting skills, with experience of using data to drive improvements.
LOCATION/ HOURS
* Contracted hours are 40 hours per week (8 hours per day).
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person