Executive Director, Quality Assurance

Summary: The Executive Director, Global Quality Assurance at Claire’s is a strategic leadership role focused on driving product safety, compliance, and quality standards across Europe and North America. This position involves overseeing a team of over 20, collaborating with various internal teams and suppliers, and ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements. The role is a 6-month fixed-term contract based in Birmingham with a hybrid working arrangement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in quality assurance and regulatory compliance, particularly within the retail or manufacturing sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee Claire’s Global Quality Assurance (QA) function, ensuring all products meet safety, compliance, and quality standards.
• Monitor and implement legal and regulatory changes across Europe and North America, communicating updates to relevant teams.
• Inspire, mentor, and support a high-performing QA team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Act as the go-to expert in critical incidents, guiding the business through investigations and enforcement matters.
• Work closely with Merchandising, Buying, and suppliers to identify and address potential compliance issues.
• Assess, audit, and guide suppliers and test houses to uphold the highest standards.
• Educate internal teams and suppliers on regulatory requirements and maintain compliance guidelines.
• Use data-driven insights to inform QA processes, balancing regulatory requirements with commercial considerations.
• Set goals, track progress, and manage the QA budget effectively.

Key Skills:

• Proven track record in global quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or product safety.
• Strong knowledge of European and North American regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with enforcement authorities.
• Background in legal, compliance, chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and drive results.
• Sharp business acumen to navigate compliance while supporting commercial success.
• Experience in crisis management and handling product investigations.
• Strong communication skills to explain complex regulatory requirements clearly.
• Proactive and agile strategic thinker.
• Fluency in an additional European language (French, Spanish, or German) is a plus.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: Birmingham

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: fixed-term

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Other