Global Technical Quality Assurance Manager (Hybrid)

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

Global Technical Quality Assurance Manager (Hybrid)

About the Role

The Global Technical Quality Assurance Manager will contribute to the effectiveness of the Global Quality Assurance Team whose primary function is to ensure products that Claire’s/Icing’s sell in North America and Europe are safe, comply with the law and are of a satisfactory quality to be sold. The role will work with buyers and suppliers to ensure this. Through monitoring and keeping up to date on all legal changes and developments in EU/NA and ensuring such changes are communicated to all affected parts of the business and suppliers.

The Global Technical Quality Assurance Associate must ensure that the products identified and purchased by Buying meet all the legal requirements for the areas where they are being purchased for, to ensure the sale will not result in legal action by the regulatory authorities, Intellectual Property action by the IP holder and that customers are satisfied with their purchases.

The core areas of responsibility are.

• 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/AS400 for EU/NA

• Provide legal advice to Buyers and other personnel when required

• Work with suppliers to improve quality standards and compliance

• Monitoring and producing legal updates to the team

• Provide supporting and assisting the NA/EU based quality function.

• Support and liaise with Enforcement Authorities in EU/NA on criminal infringement/compliance issues including Intellectual Property

• Provide induction training where required to Regional and District Managers

• Assist with the production of Standards for Claire’s products

• Provide product assessments including solutions to identified issues where possible

• Arrange or ensure the appropriate testing has been carried out for each line ordered by EU/NA

• Liaise with Buyers/Distribution Centre/Suppliers on Quality Control legal and quality issues and make appropriate suggestions

• Ensure where appropriate SKUs are sent for testing in an expedient manner and to the most appropriate lab.

• Assist with identification of appropriate laboratories for testing.

• 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.

• Direct decisions into the approval process on whether a product is acceptable, whether this can be approved or whether it has to be cancelled

• Input and influence on new product development

• Input on QA policy development

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/North American product law /standards

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

• Preferred but 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.