Product Quality Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and safety-driven Product Quality Manager to oversee quality assurance for our timber-based children's physical development products. This includes play equipment, educational furniture, and developmental toys, all designed to support children's growth through safe, durable, and sustainable materials.

This is a pivotal role within our product team, ensuring that everything we produce meets the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality. The ideal candidate will bring experience from the furniture industry or outdoor play equipment sector, with a strong understanding of timber products and child safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust quality standards for children’s products—covering raw timber, joints, coatings, and final assemblies.
• Ensure product compliance with international safety and quality standards (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO standards for playground equipment).
• Conduct physical testing (strength, stability, moisture resistance, etc.) and assess potential hazards such as splintering, entrapment, and toxicity.
• Lead supplier audits both in the UK and internationally, ensuring sustainable sourcing, ethical practices, and certifications (FSC, PEFC).
• Manage corrective actions related to customer complaints, product failures, or compliance findings.
• Collaborate with design and R&D teams to ensure safety and ergonomics are considered from concept through to launch.
• Maintain detailed documentation for internal compliance, certification bodies, and customer assurance.
• Train internal quality teams on product safety protocols and timber quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, enhancing durability, and maximizing product safety.

Qualifications & Skills

• In-depth understanding of timber materials and engineered woods suitable for children's products.
• Strong working knowledge of child safety regulations (e.g. EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO 8124).
• Prior experience in quality management for furniture, outdoor play equipment, or similar children's products.
• Skilled in quality systems such as ISO 9001 and risk management tools.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities; able to work cross-functionally and influence suppliers.
• Proficiency in problem-solving, including root cause analysis and preventive planning.

Preferred Attributes

• Background in children’s ergonomic design and developmental needs.
• Familiarity with child-safe coatings, adhesives, and finishes (e.g. low VOC, saliva-resistant).
• Experience with third-party testing and certification processes.
• Awareness of sustainability practices in timber manufacturing.

Salary & Benefits:
This role offers a base salary of £45,000, with the potential for a higher package depending on experience and industry background. Travel to suppliers (UK and international) is part of the role and will be fully supported.

If you’re passionate about product safety, sustainability, and making a real impact on children’s development through well-designed products, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Now

Click the link to apply today.