Global QA Senior Technical Associate (Hybrid)

***This will be a hybrid role on-site three days per week in Hoffman Estates, IL*** ​

About the Role

The Global QA Senior Technical Associate will contribute to the effectiveness of the Quality team through leading the Technical Functions within the team. They will monitor and keep up to date on all legal changes and developments in the EU and NA and ensure such changes are communicated to all affected parts of the business and suppliers.  They will look to continuously improve the performance of the Global QA Tech team through changes and development of their working procedures and knowledge.

They will deputise for the EU based Global Technical Manager as and when the need arises.

• Ensuring products are tested/documentation obtained so that the product is safe and can be sold

• Providing training on legal requirements to Buyers/Suppliers/RSI as required

• Order approval on PEMS in EU and assistance on AS400 in NA

• Liaise with the Global QA Operations Manager on ensuring all test reports are approved on Therefore and logged in a timely manner including urgent ones. 

• Work with Global Technical Manager to ensure both EU and NA technical teams are up to date with latest policy or global standard changes

• Provide product assessments including solutions to identified issues where possible.

• Work with the Global Operations manager and Global Technical Manager to generate reporting to ensure all lines have necessary test reports, technical files, Children's Product Certificate and Declarations of Conformity.

• Work with Global Technical Manager to oversee NA and EU orders on PEMS system and AS400 ensuring timely approval by the QA function.

• Lead with Global Technical Manager for QA on Buying Pre trip and post trip meetings, providing product safety, materials used and best practices knowledge.

• Work with suppliers to improve quality standards and compliance

• Liaise with Buyers on legal and quality issues

• Provide legal advice to Buyers and other personnel when required

• Deputize for Global Technical Manager in their absence

• Ensure direct report(s) achieve goals, both personal and work related

• Manage, monitor, review and develop the performance of direct report(s) through effective leadership management, training, coaching, objective setting and providing regular feedback

• Managing supplier performance, producing update reports and following up on poor performers on corrective action.

• Keep QA Senior Management updated on all QA tech developments

• Actively work with Buying Design and Product Development Teams on a day-to-day basis to ensure legal compliance is embedded into the product and buying process.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Law or Chemistry or

• Role specific qualification or

• Hold the equivalent job experience

• Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role; either within a Test House, a global Retail business environment or in an Advisory capacity for a legal consultancy

• Experience of working within the legal system in the EU/NA – especially in relation to prosecuting or defending cases

• Experience of a Retail Environment

• Legal experience in a Retail/Enforcement environment capacity/local authority Test House as an expert witness

• Working knowledge of European/NA product law /standards

• Intermediate to Advanced Excel and general Microsoft Office skills; able to use/produce macros and pivot tables

• Preferred not required - Fluent in a European language (preferably French, Spanish or German)

Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as your relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits for full time employees included medical, dental and vision insurance, voluntary welfare plans, bonus plan eligibility, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more! 

Benefits for part time employees included voluntary welfare plans, 401(k) match, vacation time, sick time, and more!

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.