Reports to: Director of Development & Production
Department: Product Development
Location: London (Emerald Street), hybrid
Purpose of the Role
Legislation and product safety standards are evolving at pace across the UK, EU and US, with increasing obligations around Responsible Economic Operator status, technical documentation, chemical restrictions and market‑specific rules. TOAST is looking for a compliance manager to cover all product areas, researching and updating our standards to reflect changes in regulation.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory monitoring and policy
- Continuously monitor developments in UK, EU, US and other international product compliance legislation, including chemical restrictions (e.g. REACH, Prop 65, PFAS), product safety, labelling and traceability requirements.
- Translate new and emerging regulation into clear, practical operational policy for product development& buying teams
- Keep TOAST aligned with brand‑critical compliance frameworks and horizon‑scan for changes affecting future seasons.
- Advise PD and buying partners what tests need doing and supporting those teams when issues arise.
Multi‑category and homeware compliance
- Own compliance framework across all product categories, recognising the differing requirements of apparel, accessories and homeware.
- Homeware softs: bedding, blankets, quilts and throws, cushions, rugs, towels, table and house accessories – including flammability, fibre composition, care labelling and chemical compliance.
- Homeware hard goods: ceramics, glass, kitchen, tableware, outdoor, wellbeing and baskets – including food‑contact requirements, heavy metals and migration testing and packaging regulations.
- Set and maintain performance and compliance testing programmes appropriate to each substrate and product type, and manage relationships with third‑party test houses.
- Conduct structured risk assessments early in the development cycle, highlighting potential compliance issues before cost is incurred.
- Advise on testing requirements, labelling rules, chemical restrictions, age‑grading and country‑specific standards.
Technical files and documentation
- Own and maintain all product compliance documentation, including technical files, manuals, testing protocols, certifications and declarations of conformity.
- Maintain and develop the Restricted Substances List and supplier‑facing compliance guidance.
- Ensure documentation is current, structured, accessible and audit‑ready across all categories.
Market entry and expansion
- Undertake thorough regulatory research for potential new markets and produce structured compliance entry requirements.
- Coordinate testing and certification processes, and ensure warnings, labelling and documentation meet local standards.
- Reduce market‑entry risk and prevent shipment holds, penalties or forced product withdrawals.
Education and partnering
- Deliver training to PD, production, buying and design teams on emerging standards and compliance requirements.
- Provide hands‑on guidance during development and specialist advice on materials, trims, testing and care labelling.
- Help teams interpret market‑specific legislation, including product safety, digital product passport and chemical compliance obligations.
Skills and Experience
- Substantial experience in product compliance, product safety or technical roles within a retail, apparel or homeware business.
- Demonstrable working knowledge of UK, EU and US product legislation, including chemical restrictions, labelling and product safety.
- Experience across more than one product category, with genuine confidence in both textiles and hard goods.
- Track record of building and maintaining technical files and compliance documentation to audit standard.
- Experience managing third‑party test houses and interpreting test reports.
- Ability to translate complex regulation into clear, practical guidance for non‑specialists.
- Strong supplier communication skills across an international base.
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented and comfortable working independently.
- Experience supporting entry into new international markets.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Product Compliance Manager employer: Toast
Toast is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for the Senior Director of Product role based in London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, competitive compensation, and a commitment to leveraging AI tools, Toast empowers its team members to innovate and excel while collaborating with diverse international teams. The company's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive in their career.
