Group Compliance & QSHE Manager
Location: Maidstone and Cardiff, UK
Employment Type: Full-Time
About CCS McLays Group
CCS McLays Group is a specialist in packaging, print management, and logistics solutions, trusted by leading retailers and brands across the UK. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer service, we deliver end-to-end solutions that provide value, efficiency, and quality at every stage. As manufacturers, we are committed to producing high-quality, responsibly sourced packaging that supports our clients' brand and environmental objectives. Sustainability is central to our operations—from sourcing FSC-certified materials to reducing waste and improving recyclability across our product lines. We foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, delivering logistics and packaging solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, ethics, and environmental stewardship.
Role Overview
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Group Compliance & QSHE Manager to lead regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and health & safety across our dynamic manufacturing and distribution environment. Our Maidstone factory manufactures plain and printed paper bags, carriers, and sheeted papers serving clients across the food, retail, and pharmaceutical sectors where compliance, hygiene, and sustainability are paramount.
In this role, you will be responsible for shaping compliance strategy, managing audits, developing product specifications, and driving continuous improvement across the CCS McLays Group. You will ensure our packaging and distribution operations meet the highest levels of legal, environmental, and industry-specific standards while maintaining certifications including BRCGS Packaging Materials, ISO 9001, FSC/PEFC, and HACCP.
The role is based at our Maidstone manufacturing facility with regular travel to our headquarters in Cardiff.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee compliance with UK and EU regulations for food and pharmaceutical packaging, including materials safety, hygiene, and traceability
* Ensure adherence to environmental legislation (e.g., EPR packaging waste regulations, recyclability standards, FSC certification)
* Lead and manage all Health & Safety functions, acting as the company's designated representative
* Maintain and evolve internal compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures
* Lead preparation and execution of internal and customer audits, maintaining certifications (BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 9001, FSC)
* Conduct supplier audits and drive supplier approval and improvement
* Monitor regulatory changes (FSA, MHRA, DEFRA, EU directives) and communicate implications to senior leadership
* Develop, implement, and oversee the Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring continual improvement
* Develop, approve, and maintain customer and supplier packaging specifications ensuring compliance and traceability
* Investigate and resolve non-conformances, customer complaints, and regulatory breaches with corrective action plans
* Act as primary liaison with external auditors, regulatory bodies, certification bodies, and major customers
* Provide compliance and quality assurance support to major customers including technical documentation
* Support sustainability initiatives and ensure accurate reporting of environmental metrics
* Provide compliance training and guidance to production, sales, and design teams
* Serve as internal trainer for ongoing compliance and health & safety training
* Conduct new starter inductions, ensuring understanding of company policies and safety protocols
* Manage and mentor the Compliance & Quality Administrator
Essential Skills & Experience
* Extensive experience in compliance, quality assurance, and health & safety within packaging, manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, or logistics industries
* Strong working knowledge of UK and EU packaging regulations, food contact materials, pharmaceutical packaging standards, and environmental legislation
* Familiarity with audit frameworks such as BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 9001, and FSC/PEFC
* Solid understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation and best practices
* Excellent attention to detail with the ability to interpret complex regulatory documents and develop effective systems
* Proven ability to manage audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions independently
* Experience creating and managing packaging/product specifications
* Strong leadership, communication, and training skills with the ability to engage staff at all levels
* Confident auditor with strong supplier and customer engagement skills
Qualifications
* Relevant qualifications in Quality Management, Compliance, Health & Safety, or a related field
* Professional certifications in compliance, auditing, or packaging standards are advantageous
* Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 or equivalent) highly desirable
What CCS McLays Offers
* Competitive salary package of £45,000 – £60,000 (commensurate with experience and role level)
* Company pension scheme
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
* Career progression within a growing, sustainability-driven business
* A supportive, collaborative team environment based in Cardiff and Maidstone
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person