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- Tasks: Ensure quality and safety of children's timber products through rigorous testing and compliance.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating safe, sustainable products for children's development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in enhancing children's safety and growth with innovative, quality products.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management and knowledge of child safety regulations required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-driven Product Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance for our timber-based children's physical development products. You will be responsible for play equipment, educational furniture, and developmental toys, all designed to support children's growth through safe, durable, and sustainable materials. This is a pivotal role within our product team, and the Product Quality Manager will ensure that everything we produce meets the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality. The ideal Product Quality Manager will bring experience from the furniture industry or outdoor play equipment sector, with a strong understanding of timber products and child safety standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain robust quality standards for children's products—covering raw timber, joints, coatings, and final assemblies.
- Ensure product compliance with international safety and quality standards (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO standards for playground equipment).
- Conduct physical testing (strength, stability, moisture resistance, etc.) and assess potential hazards such as splintering, entrapment, and toxicity.
- Lead supplier audits both in the UK and internationally, ensuring sustainable sourcing, ethical practices, and certifications (FSC, PEFC).
- Manage corrective actions related to customer complaints, product failures, or compliance findings.
- Collaborate with design and R&D teams to ensure safety and ergonomics are considered from concept through to launch.
- Maintain detailed documentation for internal compliance, certification bodies, and customer assurance.
- Train internal quality teams on product safety protocols and timber quality standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, enhancing durability, and maximizing product safety.
Qualifications & Skills
- In-depth understanding of timber materials and engineered woods suitable for children's products.
- Strong working knowledge of child safety regulations (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO 8124).
- Prior experience in quality management for furniture, outdoor play equipment, or similar children's products.
- Skilled in quality systems such as ISO 9001 and risk management tools.
- Strong communication and leadership abilities; able to work cross-functionally and influence suppliers.
- Proficiency in problem-solving, including root cause analysis and preventive planning.
Preferred Attributes
- Background in children's ergonomic design and developmental needs.
- Familiarity with child-safe coatings, adhesives, and finishes (e.g. low VOC, saliva-resistant).
- Experience with third-party testing and certification processes.
- Aware of sustainability practices in timber manufacturing.
Salary & Benefits
This Product Quality Manager role offers a base salary of £45,000, with the potential for a higher package depending on experience and industry background. Travel to suppliers (UK and international) is part of the role and will be fully supported. If you're passionate about product safety, sustainability, and making a real impact on children's development through well-designed products, this Product Quality Manager position could be the perfect next step in your career.
Product Quality Manager in Burton upon Trent employer: SPI Management
Contact Detail:
SPI Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality Manager in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the furniture and outdoor play equipment sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with timber products and child safety standards. Bring it along to interviews or share it during networking chats to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about quality management and safety compliance. We can help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission of creating safe and sustainable products for children.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Quality Manager in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in quality management, especially in the furniture or outdoor play equipment sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on safety and sustainability.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When writing your cover letter, emphasise any previous roles where you’ve developed quality standards or conducted supplier audits. We love seeing real examples of how you've made a difference in product safety and compliance.
Be Specific About Standards: Mention your familiarity with child safety regulations like EN 71 and ASTM F963. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of these important standards.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SPI Management
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with the key safety and quality standards relevant to children's products, like EN 71 and ASTM F963. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show that you understand the importance of compliance in your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in quality management, especially in the furniture or outdoor play equipment sectors. Highlight any successful projects where you improved product safety or quality, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Product Quality Manager position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come prepared with questions about the company's current quality assurance processes and how they handle supplier audits. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive approach to understanding their operations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working cross-functionally with design and R&D teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve influenced others to prioritise safety and quality in product development.
