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- Tasks: Lead Quality Assurance and Sustainability strategies for a fast-growing toy company.
- Company: Dynamic toy manufacturing and distribution business in the South-East UK.
- Benefits: Competitive package with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in toy safety and sustainability while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in QA or sustainability, strong leadership, and knowledge of toy safety standards.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Head of Quality Assurance & Sustainability
Toys Manufacturing & Distribution
South East, UK
Competitive Package
The Company
Our client is a fast-growing toy manufacturing and distribution business that is based in the South-East (UK). The company has an incredible team that is very experienced in product design, toy sourcing and is well set up with a wide range of trusted vendors in the Far East.
The Role
This role exists to lead and develop the Group’s Quality Assurance (QA) and Sustainability strategy, ensuring all products, vendors and processes meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. This role will champion best-in-class ESG practices, drive operational excellence across QA functions, and position sustainability as a core strategic pillar for the Group's businesses and brands.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure all products sold by the Group companies meet applicable legislation, safety standards and our policies.
- Ensure the QA function provides product development support that effectively manages safety risk, ensures legal compliance, delivers robust quality assurance and helps create a differentiated range of great value products.
- Implement and oversee robust product testing, risk assessment and concerns management procedures.
- Develop and implement Group QA and ESG policies, systems and standards, delivering operational efficiency and scalable processes.
- Represent the Group in matters related to toy safety, compliance and sustainability with UK and international partners, regulators and industry bodies.
- Ensure all vendors and manufacturing sites comply with Group policies.
- Define, lead and embed the Group sustainability strategy, aligning with business objectives and brand values.
- Drive cross-functional sustainability initiatives delivering measurable impact and competitive advantage.
- Oversee ESG reporting, performance metrics and continuous improvement across the business.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant sustainability and environmental legislation.
- Build sustainability awareness and capability across the organisation through training and influence.
- Ensure ethical sourcing and human rights legislation compliance, including compliance with the UK Modern Slavery Act.
- Develop and maintain supplier audit frameworks, standards and improvement programmes.
- Lead cross-group projects to support compliance, sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging legislation, risks and industry best practice.
- Build relationships with industry associations, NGOs, regulatory agencies and key stakeholders.
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience leading QA and/or sustainability teams in a consumer goods environment (preferably toys or children’s products).
- Expert knowledge of UK/EU/US toy safety standards, compliance frameworks and ESG legislation.
- Proven ability to design and implement a sustainability strategy with measurable results.
- Strong understanding of ethical sourcing, supply chain standards and manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrable leadership experience across international teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree in Engineering, Science, Quality Management or related field desired.
- Experience working with Asian manufacturing hubs, particularly China/Hong Kong.
- Experience with retailer compliance schemes and ESG reporting frameworks.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance compliance and commercial priorities.
- High integrity and commitment to ethical business practices.
- Problem-solver with strong analytical and project management skills.
If this opportunity is perceived to be suitable, please email us your CV.
Director of Quality Assurance employer: Novo Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Novo Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Quality Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know in the toy manufacturing and sustainability space, the better your chances of landing that Director of Quality Assurance role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience with QA and sustainability strategies. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see how you can drive operational excellence and champion ESG practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like our client in the toy industry. Express your interest in their mission and how your skills align with their goals—this could open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying through us means you’ll be in the loop for exclusive opportunities in the QA and sustainability sectors. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Quality Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Quality Assurance. Highlight your experience in QA and sustainability, especially in the toy industry, and don’t forget to mention any relevant legislation you’re familiar with.
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership in QA and sustainability. Use numbers and examples to show how you've made a measurable impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your qualifications without having to sift through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Executive Search
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with UK/EU/US toy safety standards and compliance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations, as well as any specific examples of how you've ensured product safety and compliance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Sustainability Strategy
Prepare to talk about your experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies. Highlight measurable results you've achieved in past positions, and be ready to discuss how you would align sustainability with the company's business objectives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in managing international teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve driven cross-functional initiatives and built relationships with stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Stay Current on Industry Trends
Keep up-to-date with emerging legislation and industry best practices related to quality assurance and sustainability. Bring insights to the interview about recent developments in the toy industry and how they might impact the company’s operations and strategy.
