At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product safety and compliance processes, ensuring quality from production to shipment.
- Company: Craft Buddy, a dynamic company in the art supplies sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and safety in a creative industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in QA or compliance, strong communication, and organisational skills.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and travel to China for exciting projects.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 50000 £ per year.
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: 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. Translate complex standards, reports, and regulatory requirements into simple, practical workflows for product, operations, and suppliers. Support training and adoption of QMS processes across teams.
- Quality and Safety Assurance: Oversee seasonal Product Risk Assessments (Spring Summer / Autumn Winter). Review BOMs, specifications, samples, and inspection reports from China. Manage all lab testing activities: identify samples, submit to Intertek, track progress, discuss results, and maintain structured documentation. Maintain organised records of all test reports, SKU references, and QA files. Prepare special test packages for selected overseas key customers. Produce required reports (plastic tax, packaging material, microplastics, etc.). Issue Certificates of Conformity for FOB customers on request. Conduct vendor evaluations and manage vendor quality responsibilities. Track corrective actions, and ensure supplier follow‑up. Handle communication with customers and licensors on QA Matters.
- Compliance: Prepare customer questionnaires, audit forms, declarations, and compliance documentation. Monitor and file BSCI/SMETA/ethical audit reports. 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: Engage early with Product Development on artwork checks, packaging approvals, sample reviews, and design‑stage risk assessments. Manage the working relationship with Intertek and other external labs. Supervise and support the China‑based QA executive. 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
Quality Assurance, Product Safety & Compliance Manager (Hybrid) in Chesham employer: Craft Buddy Ltd
Contact Detail:
Craft Buddy Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance, Product Safety & Compliance Manager (Hybrid) in Chesham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Craft Buddy or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common QA scenarios. Think about how you'd handle specific compliance challenges or quality issues. This will show you're ready to tackle the role head-on!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when discussing complex topics. Remember, the ability to simplify technical jargon is key in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Craft Buddy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance, Product Safety & Compliance Manager (Hybrid) in Chesham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Assurance role. Highlight your experience with QA processes, compliance, and any relevant industry knowledge. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about product safety and quality assurance. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to demonstrate how you've simplified complex information in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Buddy Ltd
✨Know Your QA Standards
Familiarise yourself with key quality assurance standards relevant to the role, such as EN71, REACH, and CPSIA. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show your expertise and readiness to tackle compliance challenges.
✨Simplify Complex Information
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Since the role requires translating intricate information for various stakeholders, demonstrating this skill during the interview will highlight your communication prowess.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed documentation and follow-through in previous roles. Being highly organised is crucial for this position, so share specific instances where your organisational skills made a difference.
✨Engage in Cross-Functional Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with product development and external labs. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked across teams to achieve quality goals, as this role heavily relies on cross-functional collaboration.