Compliance Manager in London

About us

DeMellier is a fast-growing award-winning designer fashion brand based in London. DeMellier has been awarded twice by the British Luxury Association WALPOLE, recognising its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and the highest standards of quality. Its handbags have become a favourite among women all over the world, including celebrities such as Beyonce, Irina Shayk, Emily Blunt, and January Jones among others. In addition to its direct-to-consumer business, DeMellier is stocked in leading department stores such as Net-a-Porter, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and Le Bon Marche among others. Beyond creating beautiful products, DeMellier's mission is to be a force of positive influence in the fashion industry. Creating products by women for women, made with integrity while giving back to those less fortunate. For every item sold DeMellier funds vaccines and medical treatments aimed to save the life of a child in need.

Overall Responsibilities

The Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all company operations, supply chain activities, and RM & product deliveries are conducted in strict accordance with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and internal quality standards. This role will oversee the development, implementation, and management of compliance frameworks, safeguarding the organisation's integrity, minimising operational risks, and ensuring alignment with international legal, trade, and sustainability requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Audit Management

• Monitor, interpret, and apply evolving legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements relevant to the company's business operations, with a particular focus on product safety, trade regulations, labour standards, and environmental compliance.
• Plan and follow up on all internal and external supplier audits, ensuring appropriate corrective and preventive actions are agreed and effectively implemented.
• Maintain continuous awareness of regional and international regulations including, but not limited to, REACH, Prop 65, CITES, and product labelling obligations.
• Submit and validate any pre-production and bulk lab testing and certification processes (e.g. colour fastness, abrasion, resistance, plating durability).

Supplier & Manufacturing Compliance Oversight

• Manage the compliance onboarding process for all suppliers, ensuring all necessary documentation (ethical audits, social compliance certifications, product declarations, and chemical management records) is complete and current.
• Maintain a comprehensive supplier compliance database, proactively managing document renewals and audit schedules.
• Oversee subcontracting declarations and associated risk assessments across the manufacturing network.

Product Compliance & Customs Administration

• Ensure all products meet the legal and safety requirements of the destination markets, including labelling, technical file maintenance, and product safety testing.
• Manage the preparation, accuracy, and submission of customs-related documentation such as origin declarations, HS tariff codes, LSTD forms, and import/export certifications.
• Liaise with third-party testing laboratories and internal product teams to define and oversee product testing protocols in accordance with brand standards and market-specific regulations.

Policy Development, Training & Compliance Reporting

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve company compliance policies, procedures, and operational protocols.
• Deliver regular training to relevant internal teams and external manufacturing partners to reinforce awareness and adherence to compliance obligations.
• Provide clear, timely, and accurate compliance reports and risk assessments to senior management.

Sustainability Compliance & ESG Support

• Collaborate with sustainability leads to ensure responsible sourcing initiatives, material traceability, and environmental performance standards are achieved and maintained.
• Support reporting requirements related to ESG goals and sustainability certifications.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a compliance, quality assurance, RM Testing Standards and Performance, preferably within the fashion, luxury leather goods.
• Strong knowledge of international trade regulations, product compliance standards, customs procedures, and ethical labour standards.
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and ESG compliance reporting is advantageous.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.

Benefits

• Hybrid-working policy (1-2 days in the office)
• Annual Leave package increasing the longer you stay with us
• Enhanced company maternity policy
• Time given yearly to volunteer for a charity of your choice
• Employee Discount: 50% off Stock and up to 90% off Seasonal Sample Sales