Role: Compliance Manager
Location: Bournemouth
Reference: HOB1215089
Closing Date: 17.07.26
Creativity is Hobbycraft’s reason for being, so when you join our fantastic team, you will be surrounded by like-minded imaginative people. We believe that working together and embracing new and innovative ideas are the best way to make our colleagues feel part of something.
Compliance Manager - Hobbycraft Head Office, BH23 6HG
£38-£40K per annum - dependent on experience - Pension with a 4% contribution, 25 days holiday increasing every year, 40% discount in our stores
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
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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.
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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.
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Develop a network of suppliers, test laboratories, and internal stakeholders to support strong operational relationships and ensure alignment on quality expectations.
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Analyse key data in relation to product quality, returns, complaints, and audit outcomes to identify trends, prioritise risks, and drive continuous improvement.
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Measure the success of QAQC processes and supplier compliance programmes through KPIs such as defect rates, audit results, and resolution times.
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Influence the business to prioritise quality and compliance standards to reduce risk, improve customer satisfaction, and support brand integrity.
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Deliver QAQC processes effectively by owning day-to-day execution and ensuring consistency in standards across all categories.
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Execute the delivery of supplier audit programmes, issue resolution processes, and compliance activities in line with business and regulatory requirements.
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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
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Strong experience in Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QAQC) within retail, sourcing, or manufacturing environments
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Proven track record of managing supplier compliance programmes, including ethical audits (e.g. SEDEX/SMETA)
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Expertise in product quality management, including handling complaints, returns analysis, and issue resolution
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Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and assess risk to drive improvements
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Skilled in supplier and stakeholder management, building effective relationships with suppliers, test labs, and cross-functional teams
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Experience developing and maintaining quality systems, processes, and reporting frameworks
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Strong ability to prioritise issues and coordinate cross-functional resolutions in fast-paced environments
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Confident in influencing stakeholders to drive quality and compliance standards across the business
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Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines
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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:
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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
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Access to a personal pension scheme (4% contribution matched by us)
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Option to join Hobbycraft pension scheme offering x2 life insurance
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40% colleague discount
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Employee Assistance Programme, for overall wellbeing for you and your family including financial advice and up to 6 counselling sessions
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Long service awards to thank you for your time spent with us
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Cycle2Work scheme
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Discounted gym membership
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Fundraising events for our charity partners and an annual charity volunteer day
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Vouchers for free eye tests for VDU users
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Access to a range of high street discounts
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Access to a Health Cash Plan
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Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay
Hobbycraft are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to equal and fair treatment for all colleagues or potential colleagues irrespective of race, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origins, religion or belief, disability, age, gender, marital or family status.
We’re here to help you create
Our passion for craft is at the centre of everything we do. This is reflected in our creative and knowledgeable Hobbycraft store colleagues, who are always on hand to help, and our vast, carefully selected range of quality products. Throughout the year, we also host a variety of workshops and demos in stores and online, designed to give everyone the opportunity to master a new craft or refine a beloved one.
We're here to support everyone on their crafting journey, from mums looking to encourage their creative kids, to student artists, expert knitters, model making hobbyists and more! Why not come into your local Hobbycraft store today and find the perfect craft for you?
