We are looking for a bright and driven individual to join the Buying team of a awarding Interior Designer covering high end residential and commercial projects. The individual will be a crucial part of a small, entrepreneurial team in a fast-growing company based in central London.
Our Client, a recognized authority on Interior Design is creating a new product business and recruiting a QA Manager to join the friendly, dynamic team, working in a stimulating, open plan, studio environment.
The right candidate will have a proven track record in all aspects of technology and quality assurance for furniture, lighting, upholstery and home accessories including a firm understanding of legislation.
The position reports to the Buying and Sourcing Director
Role Purpose:
Reporting into the Buying and Sourcing Director you will oversee all aspects of quality for the product from development; working closely with designers at the development stage, through to the finished bulk production carrying out prototype reviews and in line QC checks to ensure products meet all the necessary requirements.
The Quality Assurance Technologist will ensure through supplier audits that suppliers are meeting or working towards key compliance and sustainability goals in line with the Client’s values. As all products must meet legislation and the QA Manager will ensure all testing/labelling and compliance work has been carried out so that products are fit for purpose and sale.
Key Responsibilities of Role:
• Establishing a clear and detailed Supplier Manual covering all key product areas to define processes and documentation to support the business when working with suppliers.
• Being a key part of the product development process, reviewing drawings and providing feedback on any quality/legislation concerns.
• Reviewing prototypes documenting and following up where necessary with key stakeholders.
• Contributing to weekly Critical Path management and flagging potential issues in a timely way.
• Approving samples and swatches, ensuring they are fit for purpose and carrying out appropriate testing.
• Establishing a procedure and documentation for supplier audits that can be introduced across all category areas and drive standards for working practices and sustainability goals.
• Contribute to supplier strategy for short/mid and long term.
• Assist on the sourcing of new suppliers to support growth for existing and new product areas.
• Reporting regularly on QA/supplier issues and providing conclusions for decision making.
• Ensuring packaging meets the standards for protection of the product and sustainability working closely with the Branding Department.
• Providing the web team with accurate information for product copy in a timely manner.
• Working with the DC to implement a returns procedure and reporting on returns rates/issues.
• Develop and implement effective internal and external procedures to support the sound growth of the business.
• Working closely with all immediate team members and those across the business to create effective working partnerships.
Personal Competencies/Skills
• Relevant experience working in Quality Assurance with furniture,upholstery, lighting and home accessories is essential for this position
• Attention to detail.
• Accurate reporting and the ability to drive out key conclusions.
• The ability to drive forward ideas and push through new processes.
• The ability to work independently but flagging key issues when appropriate.
Salary and benefits
• Salary £40k
• Hybrid working (based 2 days a week in the studio)
• 20 days’ holiday per year plus 3 days for Christmas studio closure
• Private health insurance and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Reduced summer working hours.
• Strong focus on professional and personal training and development opportunities.
• Vibrant dog-friendly studio in a great location on a fun street with excellent transport links.
• Friendly, social team with fun and engaging events hosted regularly throughout the year.