QA or QC Technician in Manchester

Location: Old Trafford

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Negotiable

Office based | Parking available

Box Recruitment Group is recruiting for a growing supplier of educational and consumer products, including educational and classroom products, stationery, clocks, arts & crafts, hygiene products, calculators, office products, electrical/electronic goods and more. We are looking for an experienced QC Technician to join the team, with genuine opportunities for career progression as the business continues to grow.

The Role

• Product Testing & Compliance: Conduct, record, and report product tests in accordance with internal procedures and customer-specific standards. Manage tender samples, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery. Maintain and monitor benchmark samples and coordinate re-testing for any failed items. Liaise with third-party laboratories, consultants, and inspection agencies to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
• Vendor Documentation & Audits: Collect, review, and maintain vendor test reports, ethical audits, and environmental compliance documents (e.g., WEEE, packaging, batteries). Track document validity periods and issue timely reminders for renewal. Maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) aligned with UK importer and environmental compliance requirements.
• Artwork & Instruction Manuals: Coordinate artwork briefs, version control, and approval processes with suppliers and the UK creative team. Review and proofread instruction manuals to ensure alignment with product specifications and brand guidelines.
• Shipping Marks & Documentation: Review and approve shipping mark documents in collaboration with suppliers. Maintain organized records of draft and final versions for audit and compliance purposes.
• Factory Inspections (Inline & Pre-Shipment): Plan and coordinate inline and pre-shipment inspections with factories or approved third-party inspection agencies. Prepare inspection briefs, review inspection results, and record findings. Address and resolve any failures or non-conformities promptly, ensuring timely rework or re-inspection.
• Gold Seal Samples (GSS): Manage the request, shipment, and documentation of Gold Seal Samples (GSS). Maintain updated GSS tracking logs and handle disposal of obsolete samples in accordance with Company procedures.
• Documentation & Filing: Maintain all QC technical, compliance, and quality-related documentation within the shared filing system. Ensure consistency and traceability using the Company’s standard file naming conventions.
• BC System Updates: Update product weights and dimensions in the BC system based on inspection reports and verified data. Confirm product details for deliveries to the Oldham warehouse and correct discrepancies as needed.
• Critical Path & Reporting: Maintain and update the Critical Path with all QC and compliance milestones, including artwork approvals, inspection results, and shipment readiness. Communicate regularly with factories to confirm Goods Ready Dates (GRD) and arrange inspections via the China office or authorized agencies. Review inspection reports and photos to approve or reject shipments. Coordinate with factories for rework or re-inspection, ensuring all updates are accurately reflected in the Critical Path.

Essential Experience

You must have experience within one or more of the following sectors: Educational products, Classroom products, Stationery, Consumer products, Office products, Electrical & electronic goods, Manufacturing. You will ideally have 2+ years' experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Product Compliance, Product Development or a similar role. This role is not suitable for candidates whose experience is solely within pharmaceutical or food production.

The Person

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Methodical and organised.
• Good communication skills.
• Able to understand product specifications and technical information.
• Confident reviewing testing and inspection reports.
• Able to manage deadlines and work independently.

Right to Work: Applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK. This role is not suitable for candidates requiring visa sponsorship.

Why Apply? Join a growing business offering career progression, with the opportunity to develop your quality and product compliance experience across a diverse range of products.