International Certification Manager

Job Summary

NQA is seeking an International Certification Manager to support the delivery of certification activities across our international operations. You'll work closely with global teams, agents and stakeholders to ensure certification activities are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in line with accreditation requirements. This is a hybrid role, based in Dunstable. NQA provides accredited certification, training and support services to help customers improve processes, performance and products and services. We have issued over 50,000 certificates to clients in over 90 countries resulting in a yearly revenue of around 100 million Euro. NQA was acquired by Kiwa in 2024, a global leader in the Testing, Inspecting and Certification (TIC) sector, based in the Netherlands.

About the role

• Coordinate and monitor international certification operations, providing technical and operational guidance to international agents and stakeholders.
• Support compliance with NQA procedures, policies, accreditation requirements and relevant standards, including ISO/IEC 17021-1.
• Review audit programmes, certification scopes and associated technical information.
• Monitor performance data and trends, identifying areas for improvement and supporting corrective actions.
• Support the implementation of changes to standards, accreditation and regulatory requirements.  
• Identify and escalate certification, impartiality, compliance and operational risks as appropriate. 
• Support technical competence through guidance, coaching and knowledge sharing. 
• Support internal audits and continuous improvement activities.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of international operational and technical activities.

Do you have what it takes?

• Experience within a certification body in a technical or managerial role.
• Good knowledge of management system certification processes and accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of ISO/IEC 17021-1 and relevant IAF requirements.
• Recognised Lead Auditor training; a Lead Auditor qualification in one or more management systems standards is desirable. 
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make technical and operational decisions. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience coaching and mentoring others.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.

What can you expect from us in return?

• Competitive Salary - salary details on request
• 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday, hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office)
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, increased entitlement with length of service
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 3 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Long service rewards
• Salary Reviews
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Cycle Loan Scheme
• Electric Power Point Loan
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
• Welcome Pack – Filled with company-branded goodies to kickstart your journey with us

At Kiwa, we deliver results driven by our core values: Ambitious, Reliable, and Engaged the principles that guide how we work with colleagues, customers, and everyone we encounter. We are committed to fostering personal development, encouraging you to be ambitious, explore new ideas, and contribute to making the world a safer, more sustainable place. Here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for growth and self-development.

As an equal opportunity employer, Kiwa celebrates diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. We embrace flexibility in hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds globally, ensuring a work environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and intimidation. Inclusivity and equality are core to who we are, and we uphold these values without exception.

If you have any questions about this role and would like to speak a member of the Talent Team, please e-mail us at [email protected].