Head of Quality, Cosmetics, Beauty, FMCG

This company is a manufacturer of beauty and lifestyle products specialising in cosmetics, fragrance, toiletry and lifestyle accessories. Due to continued expansion, they are seeking a Head of Quality to join their team Key Responsibilities ??? Quality Strategy - to lead and manage the strategic and operational performance of the Quality Team, ensuring the successful delivery of business strategy, key performance indicators and objectives ??? Supplier Development - to work hand in hand with the Head of Procurement in the development and maintenance of the supplier selection and development programme ??? Line Management - to provide inspiration, vision and direction to the Quality Team to ensure the efficient and effective day to day running of the department ??? Leadership - to be an advocate and an ambassador for Quality Excellence with customers and suppliers Objectives: ??? To develop and implement the Quality Team strategies (including quality activities in the Far East and other international activities), to ensure they meet the business requirements and customer deliverables, as well as ensuring departmental performance against company goals ??? To lead team to support timely delivery of products made to specification sourced from UK, Europe and Far East or made within their own factory, ensuring that appropriate quality planning, assurance and control processes are applied for products that are shipped directly from Far East to customer or via UK warehouses ??? To act as the quality interface between the Company and its customers and suppliers and where appropriate participate in the negotiation of best resolution on issues; in particular, taking a lead role in the management of product quality concerns ??? To work closely with the Heads of Procurement, NPD and R&D and General Manager, Shanghai, to analyse, maintain and develop existing supply base; and then identify, audit and approve new supply resources in order to continually match commercially feasible capacities with changing requirements; and to be available to undertake international factory visits where necessary ??? To ensure that customer concerns and product non-conformances are investigated urgently and effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented ??? To lead team to develop, implement and monitor the Business Management System to ensure adherence with all appropriate industry, legal and customer-specific standards across all business activities; maintaining certifications in Cosmetic GMP and Ethical Trading and any other that may be required in future; and monitoring and reporting the performance of processes, developing corrective actions where desired Qualifications & Experience Requirements: ??? Educated to Degree Level or Equivalent ??? Proven track record of developing and implementing quality strategies for cosmetic products ??? Able to demonstrate successful track record with a Far East supply base ??? Minimum several years' experience in health, beauty and personal care industry ??? Previous experience of leadership and line management of multi-location teams ??? Clean current driving licence and international passport ??? Able to travel globally on regular basis Key Competency Requirements: ??? Motivated, organised Professional ??? Capable of motivating, inspiring and supporting a team of UK and Far East based staff ??? Excellent team working and relationship building skills ??? Able to communicate strategies and concepts simply and effectively ??? Naturally inquisitive, investigative and able to constructively challenge the status quo, to drive continuous improvement within the department and ultimately the company ??? Capable of problem solving and decision making ??? High level of commercial awareness ??? Strong negotiation and communication skills ??? Capable of thriving in fast paced environments ??? Sets and meets high standards for both quality of work and delivering on-time ??? Fully conversant with Microsoft Office Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits, if you are seeking a challenge and the opportunity to be a part of a focused and enthusiastic company, apply in the first instance. Please note that due to a high volume of response that Equilibrium Search & Selection receive; only successful candidates will be contacted. For the purposes of the Regulations, please note that Equilibrium Search & Selection in the provision of these services will be operating as an employment business. Equilibrium Search & Selection are an equal opportunities employer