Our Client, an international leader in the manufacture and supply of craft and stationery products is creating a new position based in their Italian office in northern Italy. Flexibility and some working from home will be considered. Training will be provided in both the UK and Italian offices.
Role Summary
The Product Compliance Technologist (or Quality Engineer - EMEA) will support the European, Middle East and African effort to achieve and demonstrate compliance to quality requirements for products in the Client's international markets. The individual supports the QA Manager – EMEA to meet the expectations of their customers as well as meeting their statutory obligations.
Principle duties and responsibilities:
Be the responsible person based in Italy for all EU Regulations and Directives e.g. Chemical compliance, Toy Safety Directive, Cosmetic Regulations, etc.. (Candidates are not expected to be experts in all fields but, knowledge of chemical compliance and toxicity is essential)
Collate packaging information for importation regulations and customer specific requirements.
Work closely with EU customers (e.g. Amazon and Playsmart) and distributors and provide them with the information they require to list and sell our products.
Liaise with the Italy team on items they are developing locally to ensure compliance with Client and EU requirements.
Be the point of contact for EU Customs officers/Market Surveillance/Trading standards.
Ensure EU Technical files are up to date.
Deal with local consumer contacts and provide support on these.
Conduct Product Safety Assessments on EU marketed products and ensure they meet Client’s and EU requirements.
Partner with our EMEA distributors and business units to ensure the product they market meet these requirements.
Work closely with external test houses to ensure product safety compliance.
Review customer/consumer feedback from the EU community and use this to inform quality processes and decisions.
Model the company’s desired culture.
Experience and Skills required/preferred
A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related discipline is required and a sound understanding of international chemical compliance
Relevant experience in a global business, preferably consumer or children’s products.
Experienced in problem solving techniques and demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement
Understanding of QA test methods, particularly EU requirements as they apply to children’s art and stationery products and toys is preferred but not absolutely essential e.g. EN-71, BS7272, and the European Toy Safety Directive.
Have an understanding of ISO 9001 and other Quality management systems.
An understanding of Ethical audits would be an advantage (e.g. SMETA, IETP).
An understanding of the manufacturing processes for different types of craft and stationery products would be a distinct advantage (e.g. plastics, pens, crayons, toys).
Ability and willingness to work effectively across cultures and time zones; strong collaboration and communication skills to partner with cross-functional team members.
Excellent communication, customer service and organizational skills
Ability to travel internationally 10-20%
Must be able to communicate well in both spoken and written English. Fluency in other languages would be a benefit and a working knowledge of Italian a distinct advantage.
Candidates must be willing to relocate to Italy but some flexibility of working from home will be considered.