Compliance and Sustainability Assistant - Part Time in Kettering

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Compliance and Sustainability Assistant to join our Technical Division. This role will play a vital part in ensuring our products — including toys, clothing, furniture, and a diverse range of softline and hardline goods — meet both UK and international compliance standards. You will also drive sustainability initiatives across our supply chain and packaging operations. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about sustainable development, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within global product markets.

Summary

• Overseeing Product Compliance across global markets for all categories, including testing, documentation, and certification.
• Managing Packaging Compliance in alignment with UK and international requirements.
• Leading the Traceability Programme to enhance transparency across the supply chain.
• Ensuring Marketplace Compliance across various platforms and jurisdictions.
• Conducting Supplier Audits to ensure ethical, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Developing and implementing the Sustainability Roadmap, setting achievable goals in line with global standards.

You will also support the Technical Department with day-to-day compliance queries, in-house product inspections, and hands-on audits of products and packaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to international regulations (e.g. UKCA, CPSC, GCC, EUDR).
• Prepare and maintain Declarations of Compliance across all product categories in line with applicable legislation.
• Monitor and interpret updates to relevant legislation and standards across the UK, EU, US, and Gulf States.
• Maintain and manage existing company accreditations and lead the implementation of new sustainability certifications.
• Obtain, review, and organise supplier and product compliance documentation, maintaining up-to-date supply chain certifications.
• Coordinate with off-the-shelf suppliers to verify that products meet all regulatory and legislative requirements in their respective markets.
• Ensure personalisation techniques comply with relevant certification standards.
• Oversee the supplier auditing programme, including factory prequalification, ongoing audits, and performance monitoring.
• Develop and implement supplier performance review processes and improvement plans.
• Liaise with third-party regulatory partners and prepare required compliance documentation and reports.
• Submit and manage data within online regulatory portals.
• Collect and validate data for Digital Product Passports, ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance across all deliverables.
• Support initiatives related to supply chain mapping and transparency.
• Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments to ensure compliance in manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain management.
• Maintain and monitor supplier due diligence processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to drive and embed sustainability initiatives, ensuring programme goals are achieved.
• Manage compliance and sustainability databases and dashboards, ensuring accurate reporting of key metrics.
• Partner with suppliers to advance sustainable sourcing practices and reduce environmental impact.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the company’s environmental footprint and overall sustainability performance.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate confidently at all levels, with professionalism and commitment.
• High level of administration and team support ability in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail across all technical/compliance platforms.
• Excellent analytical and data management skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Data gathering through supplier contact and relationship building.
• Keen attitude to diversifying and learning.
• Ability to interpret and clearly communicate regulatory requirements across teams and supply chain partners.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Beneficial attributes of interest but not essential

• Experience with the key product areas relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of regulations within key product areas, e.g. Toys Safety Directive, REACH or related standards.
• Knowledge or experience of traceability and chain of custody within the supply chain.
• Understanding of packaging waste regulations (plastics, paper, and recyclability requirements).
• Knowledge or interest in social and environmental responsibilities.

About You

• A genuine interest in sustainability and regulatory compliance.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator who can work cross-functionally with suppliers, technical teams, and senior management.
• Experience in compliance, quality assurance, or sustainability (preferred, but not essential).
• Eagerness to shape and develop the role as the company’s sustainability and compliance ambitions expand.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on the company’s sustainability journey.
• A flexible role, tailored to your level of experience and professional goals.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for international exposure and career development.
• £25,000pa salary (FTE)
• 25 days holiday increasing to 28 with service + bank holidays (FTE)
• Summer hours Early finish payday
• EAP Enhance maternity and paternity pay
• Free on-site parking
• Generous staff discount