Job Description:

Are you passionate about quality, environmental responsibility and continuous improvement, and keen to make a practical difference across a growing business?

We are looking for a proactive Quality & Compliance Officer to support the effective operation of our Quality & Environmental Management Systems and help ensure we continue to meet ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.

This is a varied role working with colleagues across the business to support audits, maintain management-system documentation, monitor compliance and identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce risk and strengthen performance.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will support the maintenance and continual improvement of SLS’s Integrated Management System for quality and environmental management.

You will work closely with process owners and colleagues across the organisation to support ISO certification requirements, coordinate internal and external audits, maintain accurate compliance records and help embed quality, environmental performance and continual improvement into day-to-day working.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the maintenance & continual improvement of the Integrated Management System in line with ISO 9001 & ISO 14001
• Coordinate preparations for external surveillance & recertification audits, ensuring documentation, evidence actions are up to date
• Support the internal audit programme, including scheduling audits, recording findings & following actions through to completion
• Assist with management reviews by gathering performance information, preparing reports & tracking actions
• Monitor & report against quality & environmental objectives, KPIs & improvement plans
• Help identify applicable quality & environmental compliance requirements & support the business in responding to changes
• Maintain environmental aspects & impacts information & support improvements relating to waste, energy, water, packaging, transport & pollution prevention
• Support investigations into nonconformities, complaints, audit findings & process failures, helping identify root causes & corrective actions
• Work with colleagues to identify opportunities to improve customer service, operational efficiency, product conformity, compliance & environmental performance
• Support process mapping & improvement activity, helping teams simplify processes & maintain appropriate controls
• Promote awareness & accountability for quality, environmental performance & continual improvement
• Maintain controlled management-system documentation, including procedures, registers, audit & training records & performance information
• Support training & awareness sessions relating to management systems, ISO requirements, audit readiness & continuous improvement
• Work professionally with colleagues, external auditors & other stakeholders, maintaining confidentiality & sound judgement
• Support customer requests, tenders & quotations where quality, environmental or compliance information is required
• Provide wider support to Operations, Facilities & SLS Group teams where aligned with the role

About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive & comfortable working with colleagues across different areas of the business.

Essential

• Experience working with or supporting a Quality, Environmental or Integrated Management System
• Knowledge or practical experience of ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001
• Experience of internal audits, compliance, quality assurance or a related area
• Understanding of continuous improvement, root-cause analysis or structured problem solving
• Strong organisational & analytical skills, with the ability to manage priorities, maintain accurate records & work with data & reports
• Strong written & verbal communication skills, with confidence working with colleagues at different levels
• A practical & collaborative approach, with confidence to raise concerns & suggest improvements
• Good IT skills
• Willingness to learn & keep up to date with relevant quality & environmental requirements
• Full, valid UK driving licence & willingness to travel to other Group locations when required

Desirable

• Internal Auditor training in ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001
• Experience working within an ISO-certified organisation
• Experience of process mapping, corrective actions or continuous improvement
• Exposure to both Quality & Environmental Management Systems

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
• Small, friendly & sociable teams with staff events
• Company profit bonus schemes
• Cycle2work schemes
• Free parking at all UK sites
• Career development/progression opportunities

Why Join SLS?

Being the leading independent distributor of laboratory supplies in the UK does not come easy. Our people work hard and demonstrate a commitment that is second to none. In return, we provide an environment where high achievers can flourish, develop, make a real difference and be rewarded for their efforts. Our people are the reason we continue to be successful.

SLS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We welcome the unique contributions people can bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, veteran’s status, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.

We are passionate about our people and have developed a strong team dynamic that is welcoming and supportive of new individuals joining the company, with a brilliant management team to support you as you find your feet. We are also proud to be a Living Wage Employer.

This is an opportunity to build your experience within quality, compliance and environmental management while working across a broad and established organisation. You will have the chance to develop your knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, work closely with colleagues across the business and contribute to meaningful improvements in the way SLS operates.