Technical Manager in Hitchin

Location: Baldock, Hertfordshire (office-based)

Salary: £45,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm (1-hour lunch)

This is an office-based role in a quiet, rural setting, with regular visits to a UK distribution site and occasional international travel to Asia (1-2 trips per year).

The Role
An established UK-based business is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead its Quality Assurance and Technical Compliance function. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this role plays a critical part in ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Quality Assurance function across all product categories

Drive quality standards throughout the product lifecycle, including implementation of APQP principles

Manage Supplier Quality Assurance Systems (SQAS), including audits, monitoring, and continuous improvement

Conduct technical reviews such as risk assessments, range reviews, and supplier evaluations

Liaise with approved external testing laboratories to resolve technical and compliance issues

Plan and oversee product inspections, including During Production Inspections (DUPRO) and Final Random Inspections (FRI)

Maintain accurate product documentation and full traceability in line with regulatory requirements

Act as the internal subject matter expert for product and legal compliance

Monitor and interpret UK and EU regulatory changes, assessing impact and advising the business accordingly

Ensure compliance with environmental and trade regulations

Lead and support the company\’s environmental and sustainability initiatives

Act as the main point of contact for regulatory bodies, certification schemes, and industry organisations

Provide technical support to Product and Marketing teams during sourcing, NPD, and artwork approval

Support the New Product Development process across multiple product categories

Oversee ethical compliance for suppliers using recognised platforms such as Amfori and SEDEX

Work with Customer Services to investigate product complaints, returns, and fault analysis

Provide clear guidance to senior leadership and operational teams to ensure compliance obligations are understood and met

Skills & Experience Required

Proven experience as a Technical Manager, Quality Manager, or Compliance Manager within a regulated environment

Demonstrable experience managing full product compliance from concept through to market release

Background working with retail goods (non-food) and consumer products

Experience working with major retailers or highly regulated, compliance-driven organisations

Strong understanding of UK and EU product legislation and regulatory frameworks

Experience with supplier audits, factory inspections, and overseas sourcing, ideally including Asia

Hands‐on experience managing testing, certification, and technical documentation

Knowledge of ethical compliance platforms such as Amfori and SEDEX

Experience working with electrical or lighting products is advantageous but not essential

Confident stakeholder manager, able to advise senior leaders and cross‐functional teams

Comfortable with international travel and regular UK site visits

Benefits

Free on‐site parking

Staff discount scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Office‐based role in a quiet, rural environment

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