Technical & QA Manager - Blackpool

Glasdon UK Limited is part of the Glasdon Group with companies in UK, France and the United States. We are a market leader in the design, marketing, and supply of environmental and safety products. Driven by a commitment to innovation and excellence, we deliver high-quality solutions that support a cleaner, safer environment.

To lead the quality and compliance functions, ensuring products meet defined performance, safety and regulatory standards whilst driving continuous improvement across testing, compliance, and quality systems. Full training and support will be provided on the technical services aspects of the role, including intellectual property and materials, making this an ideal opportunity for an experienced QA Manager to step up into a broader technical leadership position.

Responsibilities

Key Tasks

Lead, manage and develop the quality and compliance functions ensuring clear objectives, performance standards and ongoing capability development.
Act as a Technical Lead and provide expert guidance across the business in relation to products, materials, manufacturing processes, testing, compliance and performance.
Oversee product testing programmes, including environmental stress testing, accelerated ageing and performance validation.
Ensure products comply with relevant standards, specifications, environmental regulations and customer requirements.
Manage and maintain technical documentation, including technical files, compliance records, product data and test reports.
Manage and support patent-related activities, including maintaining awareness of competitor products, technical innovations and intellectual property considerations.
Lead technical investigations into customer complaints, product failures, and performance concerns, ensuring robust root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.
Lead supplier technical assurance activities, including supplier assessments, auditing and performance monitoring of UK and international suppliers.
Work collaboratively with Product Design, Operations, Sales and Production teams to ensure technical and compliance requirements are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
Lead and support internal technical and continuous improvement projects across the business.
Support internal and external audits and maintain compliance with ISO standards and business systems.
Ensure robust quality control and inspection processes are maintained across goods-in, production and finished products.

Key Objectives

Maintain and continuously improve technical and compliance systems in line with ISO standards and business requirements.
Ensure products consistently meet defined technical, performance, safety and regulatory standards.
Provide effective technical leadership and support across the business.
Improve product reliability, durability and compliance through robust testing and validation processes.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, waste, customer complaints and non-conformances.
Strengthen supplier technical capability and material compliance across the supply chain.
Deliver effective management of customer complaints and technical investigations, ensuring timely resolution and preventative action.
Support sustainability and ESG objectives, including environmental compliance and waste reduction initiatives.
Deliver clear technical and quality performance insights through KPI reporting and analysis.

The above lists are not exhaustive and may evolve with the role and business needs.

Key Facts

Title: Technical & QA Manager

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Download our Working in Blackpool booklet

Position: Full-time, Permanent

Hours:Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (flextime available) - 30-minute lunch break

The Glasdon Group Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

Please note, this position does not offer visa sponsorship.

What we can offer you:

Competitive starting salary.
33 days paid holiday (rising to 38 with service).
Flexible holiday booking in 30-minute blocks.
Buy/sell up to 5 days holiday annually.
Performance bonuses.
Final salary pension scheme (after 2 years).
NEST pension scheme (from 3 months).
Life insurance (after 2 years).
Private health insurance (after 1 year).
Health cashback plan.
Sick pay scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Compassionate leave.
Relocation support loans.
Long service awards.
Subsidised on-site café and social space.
Free on-site parking.
Special occasion gifts.
Cycle to Work scheme.
On-site gym and changing facilities.
Team building activities.
Flexitime work pattern.
Company events.
EV charging points (at cost).
Paid charity days and fundraising events.
Social activities.
Career progression opportunities.
Skills development and professional study support.
Comprehensive training programmes.
Company paid uniform

Ideal Candidate

Essential Skills & Attributes

Proven experience as a QA Manager, Quality Manager, Technical Manager, Compliance Manager or similar leadership role within a manufacturing or technical environment.
Proven experience managing and developing teams within a technical, quality or manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of product testing, technical compliance and regulatory requirements.
Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and familiarity with ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems.
Experience investigating technical issues, product failures or customer complaints and implementing corrective actions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical and quality data effectively.
Experience leading technical or continuous improvement projects.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide clear technical guidance across departments.
High level of attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Desirable

Experience of patent awareness, intellectual property considerations, or product innovation support.
Experience in environmentally focused or sustainability-led manufacturing.
Strong supplier development and technical auditing experience.
Knowledge of environmental and product compliance requirements (e.g. material compliance, packaging regulations, recyclability considerations).
Experience of leading change management or process improvement initiatives
Previous exposure to QA inspection or quality assurance activities.

Qualifications