Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager

Our client based in Maidstone are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Compliance & Quality Assurance Manager to lead their regulatory, quality assurance, and health & safety efforts within a dynamic manufacturing and distribution environment. Their factory in Maidstone manufactures plain and printed paper bags, carriers, and sheeted papers and serves clients across the food, retail, and pharmaceutical sectors, where compliance, hygiene, and sustainability are paramount.

The Group Compliance & Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for the compliance and quality functions of the company. The position will involve shaping compliance strategy, managing audits, developing product specifications, and driving continuous improvement across the business. This role is critical in ensuring that their packaging and distribution operations meet the highest levels of all relevant legal, environmental and industry-specific standards, while maintaining their certifications in BRCGS Packaging Materials, ISO 9001, FSC/PEFC and HACCP.

The position will be based at their Maidstone manufacturing facility and will involve regular travel to their headquarters in Cardiff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with UK and EU regulations for food and pharmaceutical packaging, including materials and food contact safety, hygiene standards, and traceability
• Ensure adherence to environmental legislation (e.g. EPR packaging waste regulations, recyclability standards, FSC certification)
• Lead and manage all aspects of Health & Safety across the business, acting as the company’s designated representative
• Maintain and evolve internal compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures
• Lead preparation and execution of internal and customer audits and maintain certifications (BRCGS Packaging, HACCP, ISO 9001, FSC, customer-specific audits)
• Conduct supplier audits, driving supplier approval and improvement
• Monitor regulatory changes (e.g. FSA, MHRA, DEFRA, EU directives) and communicate implications to senior leadership
• Develop, implement and oversee the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring effectiveness and continual improvement
• Develop, approve, and maintain customer and supplier packaging specifications, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and traceability
• Investigate and resolve non-conformances, customer complaints, and regulatory breaches and implement CAPA
• Act as primary liaison with external auditors, regulatory bodies, certification bodies and major customers on compliance and quality assurance matters
• Provide compliance and quality assurance support to major customers, including technical documentation
• Support sustainability initiatives and ensure accurate reporting of environmental metrics
• Provide compliance training and guidance to production, sales, and design teams
• Serve as the internal trainer for all staff, delivering ongoing compliance and health & safety training
• Conduct new starter inductions and orientation, ensuring all employees understand company policies, procedures, and safety protocols
• Manage and mentor the Compliance & Quality Administrator

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in compliance, quality assurance, health & safety within packaging, manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, or logistics industries
• Strong working knowledge of UK and EU packaging regulations, food contact materials, pharmaceutical packaging standards and environmental legislation
• Familiarity and experience with audit frameworks such as BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 9001, and FSC/PEFC
• Solid understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation and best practices
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret complex regulatory documents and develop and implement systems
• Proven ability to manage audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions independently
• Proven experience creating and managing packaging/product specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication and training skills, with the ability to engage staff across all levels
• Confident auditor with strong supplier/customer engagement skills

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in Quality Management, Compliance, Health & Safety, or a related field
• Professional certifications in compliance, auditing, or packaging standards are advantageous
• Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 or equivalent) highly desirable

What our client Offers

• Competitive salary package of £45,000 – £60,000 (commensurate with experience and role level).
• Company pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing, sustainability-driven business.
• A supportive, collaborative team environment at our Cardiff headquarters and Maidstone manufacturing facility.

We are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this role.