At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product quality, compliance, and supplier performance to enhance creativity and innovation.
- Company: Curious Universe, a fast-growing creative company with a global reach.
- Benefits: Join a passionate team, enjoy a dynamic work environment, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a creative and ambitious team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of product quality in a vibrant international business.
- Qualifications: Experience in product compliance and quality assurance, especially in consumer goods.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Could you help us build an even stronger approach to product quality, compliance and supplier performance as we continue to grow?
At Curious Universe, we create products that spark imagination and creativity.
Since 2018, we've grown rapidly and today sell more than 20 million products a year in 38 languages across 77 countries, spanning toys, arts & crafts, activity books, stationery and lifestyle products.
We're now looking for an experienced Associate Director – Product Quality & Compliance to provide leadership across three closely connected areas: Product Compliance, Quality Assurance and Supplier Quality.
This isn't a role focused solely on checking products or managing regulatory requirements.
We want someone who can help us build quality into the way we work – strengthening supplier performance, developing effective QA processes and ensuring customer and regulatory requirements translate into practical ways of working across the business.
What you'll be doing
Leading and developing our Product Compliance function.
Taking ownership of our approach to Supplier Quality Management.
Working directly with international suppliers to improve standards and reduce recurring quality issues.
Developing practical QA processes and quality gates across product development and production.
Ensuring retailer-specific technical, quality and compliance requirements are effectively embedded.
Leading the investigation and resolution of significant supplier, quality and compliance issues.
Building strong relationships with suppliers, laboratories, certification bodies and customer technical teams.
Developing meaningful quality and supplier-performance KPIs.
Using data, trends and root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.
Acting as a senior point of escalation and championing greater ownership of quality throughout the business.
What we're looking for
You'll ideally have experience within children's products, toys, arts & crafts, stationery, publishing or a related consumer goods environment and a strong background in product compliance, quality assurance and/or supplier quality.
You'll also bring experience of working directly with overseas suppliers and manufacturing partners – ideally across Asia – and understand how to improve supplier performance through clear expectations, KPIs, root-cause analysis and corrective action.
Just as importantly, you'll be someone who can influence.
You'll work across Production, Procurement, Product Development, Commercial and senior leadership, so you'll need to combine strong technical judgement with commercial awareness, pragmatism and excellent communication skills.
Why Curious Universe
We're a creative, ambitious business with a team of more than 100 people in Bath and products enjoyed around the world.
We move quickly, care deeply about what we create and believe quality should be something everyone owns.
If you're looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely shape how a growing international consumer-products business approaches quality and compliance, we'd love to hear from you.
TPBN1_UKTJ
Group Head of Product Quality & Compliance in Taunton employer: Curious Universe
Curious Universe is an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and ambitious work environment in the heart of Bath. With a strong commitment to quality and compliance, we empower our team members to take ownership of their roles while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, as we continue to inspire imagination and creativity across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Product Quality & Compliance in Taunton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Curious Universe, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Product Quality & Compliance in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Curious Universe specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Curious Universe
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Curious Universe, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Curious Universe value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
