Compliance Manager

Role Purpose Responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of QA/QC activities, ensuring compliance processes are effectively implemented, prioritised, and delivered across the business.

In this role you will own day-to-day delivery of QAQC processes and ensure standards are applied consistently. Manage supplier compliance and audit programmes (e.g. SEDEX/SMETA). Act as first point of review for quality issues, complaints, and returns trends. Prioritise risks and coordinate cross-functional issue resolution. Manage operational relationships with suppliers, test labs, and internal teams. Analyse data, produce reporting, and act as subject matter expert for assigned categories

Function / Area QAQC/Compliance

Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities

Process ownership and delivery, audit & supplier compliance, issue management, operational relationships, data oversight & reporting, product category ownership

• Define the strategy for QAQC processes and supplier compliance programmes so that standards are consistently applied and risks are proactively managed, with the outcome of improved product quality and reduced customer complaints.
• Plan the resources for day-to-day QAQC delivery, supplier audits (e.g. SEDEX/SMETA), and cross-functional issue resolution to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Develop a network of suppliers, test laboratories, and internal stakeholders to support strong operational relationships and ensure alignment on quality expectations.
• Analyse key data in relation to product quality, returns, complaints, and audit outcomes to identify trends, prioritise risks, and drive continuous improvement.
• Measure the success of QAQC processes and supplier compliance programmes through KPIs such as defect rates, audit results, and resolution times.
• Influence the business to prioritise quality and compliance standards to reduce risk, improve customer satisfaction, and support brand integrity.
• Deliver QAQC processes effectively by owning day-to-day execution and ensuring consistency in standards across all categories.
• Execute the delivery of supplier audit programmes, issue resolution processes, and compliance activities in line with business and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate the process for managing quality issues, complaints, and returns trends to ensure clear understanding and alignment across teams.

Values & Behaviours

Together in the Making

Everything starts with our purpose; delivering for the customer as one team

Make it Simple

Good planning and simplicity helps everyone to perform at their best

Be Clear, Be Brave

Clear communication, feedback and learning fuel growth

Team Management  

Budget Responsibility   

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC) within retail, sourcing, or manufacturing environments
• Proven track record of managing supplier compliance programmes, including ethical audits (e.g. SEDEX/SMETA)
• Expertise in product quality management, including handling complaints, returns analysis, and issue resolution
• Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and assess risk to drive improvements
• Skilled in supplier and stakeholder management, building effective relationships with suppliers, test labs, and cross-functional teams
• Experience developing and maintaining quality systems, processes, and reporting frameworks
• Strong ability to prioritise issues and coordinate cross-functional resolutions in fast-paced environments
• Confident in influencing stakeholders to drive quality and compliance standards across the business
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines
• Clear and effective communicator, able to translate technical information into actionable insights

Essential Technical / Professional Qualifications

Demonstrable experience in QAQC, supplier compliance or product quality roles. Working knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory requirements

Working Hours & Environment

Head Office

This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week. Our core business hours are Monday to Friday – 10am to 3pm with a flexible approach to start and finish times.

Our hybrid working model is 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home.

We pride ourselves on an inclusive and creative working environment, so you can truly be you and enjoy your time at work. We also prioritise wellbeing, offering a range of support and initiatives designed to help you feel and perform at your best. 

We also have a dog friendly office.

Salary & Benefits

In addition to the advertised salary, here are some of our key benefits:

• 33 days holiday including bank holidays pro rata, which grows with you during your time with us. You will also get a day off to celebrate your birthday
• Access to a personal pension scheme (4% contribution matched by us)
• Option to join Hobbycraft pension scheme offering x2 life insurance
• 40% colleague discount
• Employee Assistance Programme, for overall wellbeing for you and your family including financial advice and up to 6 counselling sessions
• Long service awards to thank you for your time spent with us
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Fundraising events for our charity partners and an annual charity volunteer day
• Vouchers for free eye tests for VDU users
• Access to a range of high street discounts
• Access to a Health Cash Plan
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay