Technical Manager

Location: Baldock, Hertfordshire (office-based)
Salary: £45,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm (1-hour lunch)
This is an office-based role in a quiet, rural setting, with regular visits to a UK distribution site and occasional international travel to Asia (1-2 trips per year).

The Role
An established UK-based business is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead its Quality Assurance and Technical Compliance function. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this role plays a critical part in ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards across the business.
You will manage a small technical team and work closely with internal stakeholders including Operations, Product, Supply Chain, Marketing, and overseas sourcing partners.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Quality Assurance function across all product categories
- Drive quality standards throughout the product lifecycle, including implementation of APQP principles
- Manage Supplier Quality Assurance Systems (SQAS), including audits, monitoring, and continuous improvement
- Conduct technical reviews such as risk assessments, range reviews, and supplier evaluations
- Liaise with approved external testing laboratories to resolve technical and compliance issues
- Plan and oversee product inspections, including During Production Inspections (DUPRO) and Final Random Inspections (FRI)
- Maintain accurate product documentation and full traceability in line with regulatory requirements
- Act as the internal subject matter expert for product and legal compliance
- Monitor and interpret UK and EU regulatory changes, assessing impact and advising the business accordingly
- Ensure compliance with environmental and trade regulations
- Lead and support the company's environmental and sustainability initiatives
- Act as the main point of contact for regulatory bodies, certification schemes, and industry organisations
- Provide technical support to Product and Marketing teams during sourcing, NPD, and artwork approval
- Support the New Product Development process across multiple product categories
- Oversee ethical compliance for suppliers using recognised platforms such as Amfori and SEDEX
- Work with Customer Services to investigate product complaints, returns, and fault analysis
- Provide clear guidance to senior leadership and operational teams to ensure compliance obligations are understood and met

Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience as a Technical Manager, Quality Manager, or Compliance Manager within a regulated environment
- Demonstrable experience managing full product compliance from concept through to market release
- Background working with retail goods (non-food) and consumer products
- Experience working with major retailers or highly regulated, compliance-driven organisations
- Strong understanding of UK and EU product legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Experience with supplier audits, factory inspections, and overseas sourcing, ideally including Asia
- Hands-on experience managing testing, certification, and technical documentation
- Knowledge of ethical compliance platforms such as Amfori and SEDEX
- Experience working with electrical or lighting products is advantageous but not essential
- Confident stakeholder manager, able to advise senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- Comfortable with international travel and regular UK site visits

Benefits
- Free on-site parking
- Staff discount scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Office-based role in a quiet, rural environment
 
 
Thank you for your interest in this vacancy, which is being advertised by Smart10 Recruitment Group, acting as an employment agency / business. Your application will be considered alongside others, and we will contact you within 3 working days if you have been shortlisted.
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