At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead certification projects and enhance compliance standards across a growing tech company.
- Company: Join a leading tech systems integrator focused on quality and security strategies.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on compliance and certification while working with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in certification and compliance management is required.
- Other info: This role involves regular site visits to London and Portsmouth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Nicholas Howard is delighted to be recruiting for an Assurance and Certification Manager to join a leading tech systems integrator. We are looking for an experienced Certification Manager to take responsibility for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the organisation's certification, compliance and internal audit frameworks. The post-holder will play a pivotal role in co-ordinating and maintaining and growing various certifications, upholding high standards of compliance, and adapting to emerging standards. This role offers the chance to develop and influence quality and security strategies across an internationally growing company while delivering a seamless, cohesive certification and recertification experience. You will work alongside experts and experienced leaders across multiple departments and regions, ensuring our processes secure both brand and client trust. This is a permanent role, working on a hybrid basis, and the post-holder will spend time on site in London and Portsmouth on a regular basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Certification & Compliance Management:
- Lead Certification Efforts: Manage and drive all certification and recertification projects, acting as an escalation point and collaborating across teams to deliver a seamless customer journey.
- Enhance and Expand Certification Standards: Champion the upkeep and growth of the certification portfolio, including ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health and Safety), EcoVadis, and Safe Contractor. Simultaneously, actively broaden the international reach and secure new certifications such as ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 20000 (Service Management), and emerging AI standards, all within an integrated management system.
- Primary Contact: Serve as the primary point of contact for certification bodies, external auditors, and regulatory agencies.
- Policy & Documentation: Review, update, and implement policies, procedures, and documentation to meet audit and compliance requirements.
- Reporting & Recommendations: Deliver comprehensive management review reports that incorporate key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics aligned with our strategic objectives. Track and report on recommendations to drive continuous improvement across our compliance frameworks.
- Audit Programmes: Develop, plan, and manage robust internal and external audit programmes across all business units, ensuring comprehensive coverage of compliance and certification activities.
- Strategic Direction: Set the strategic direction to form effective internal assurance teams that complement overall assurance and risk processes.
- Management Review Reporting: Produce detailed management review reports, incorporating KPIs and metrics to provide actionable insights to the executive team.
- Committee Leadership: Lead and chair key committees—including the Policy Steering Group, Management Review Committee, and additional working groups—to monitor performance, highlight successes, address challenges, and identify improvement opportunities.
- Risk Assessments: Conduct regular gap analyses with certifications, identify non-conformances, and plan and execute corrective actions.
- Non-conformance Log: Maintain a Non-conformance and Opportunities for Improvement log, collaborating with stakeholders to address and resolve audit findings.
- Risk Integration: Identify, assess, and integrate compliance risks into the corporate risk management framework.
- Acquisition Support: Facilitate the seamless integration of acquisitions by aligning new processes with established compliance and certification standards.
- Data Protection & AI Compliance: Uphold data protection legislation (including GDPR) and ensure adherence to emerging AI standards, safeguarding organisational data and maintaining client trust.
- Expert Guidance: Provide expert advice on certification, auditing, and compliance requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
- Training Delivery: Conduct engaging internal training sessions to promote awareness of compliance processes and best practices.
- Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with industry bodies, certification authorities, and regulatory agencies.
- Data-Driven Strategy: Present clear, data-led strategies supported by analytical insights and effective communication, ensuring that compliance expectations are understood and actionable across all business units.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work alongside experts and experienced leaders across various departments and regions, fostering a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and learning.
- Strategic Leadership: Direct and set the strategic direction for internal assurance teams, ensuring that risk and compliance processes are integrated and effective.
- Process Optimisation: Lead initiatives to enhance certification readiness and streamline business processes in line with best practices.
- Guideline Development: Develop and implement internal process guidelines, templates, and workflows to systemise compliance information.
- Strategic Influence: Actively influence quality and security strategies to enhance the company compliance framework, secure brand reputation, and build client trust.
- Audit Leadership: Serve as the primary lead for customer audits, ensuring full compliance readiness and successful outcomes.
- RFI Management: Manage and respond to customer Requests for Information (RFIs) promptly and accurately, representing the organisation with clarity and professionalism.
Qualifications & Experience:
- A minimum of five years’ experience in certification, compliance, assurance, and internal audit management.
- Demonstrable expertise in obtaining and maintaining ISO accreditations (e.g. ISO 9001, 27001, 14001, EcoVadis, 45001, 22301, 20000) alongside emerging AI standards.
- Proven experience in conducting both internal and external audits, risk assessments, and compliance gap analyses, ideally across multiple regions.
- Experience within a complex IT product or technical delivery environment is highly desirable.
- Relevant professional qualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent certifications are preferred.
Key Skills & Attributes:
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and thoroughness in managing complex standards and maintaining compliance across multiple regions.
- Analytical Skills: Agility to assess risks, develop effective solutions, and manage cross-functional projects efficiently.
- Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for learning and adapting to new standards and practices.
- Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across regions and engage diverse teams in compliance initiatives.
- Organisational & Communication Skills: Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects, deliver data-led strategic reporting, and present clear, well-structured strategies.
- Leadership: Experience directing internal assurance teams and working effectively with key stakeholders in a complex environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting a well-established but growing business in enhancing their certification and assurance stance. Please register your interest by submitting your CV for consideration now.
Certification Manager employer: Nicholas Howard Ltd
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Howard Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Certification Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific certifications mentioned in the job description, such as ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. Understanding these standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the certification and compliance field. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with internal audits and compliance frameworks in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed certification projects or improved compliance processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and its values, especially regarding quality and security strategies. Tailoring your conversation to align with our mission can make a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Certification Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in certification, compliance, and internal audit management. Emphasise your expertise with ISO accreditations and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quality and security strategies. Mention how your previous roles have prepared you for this position and how you can contribute to the company's goals.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as attention to detail, analytical abilities, and leadership experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed compliance initiatives in the past.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Mindset: Illustrate your commitment to continuous improvement by providing examples of how you've adapted to new standards or improved processes in previous roles. This will resonate well with the company's focus on growth and development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Howard Ltd
✨Know Your Certifications
Familiarise yourself with the specific certifications mentioned in the job description, such as ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these standards and how you've contributed to maintaining or achieving them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading internal assurance teams and managing cross-departmental collaboration, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and drive change within an organisation.
✨Showcase Analytical Abilities
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills, particularly in relation to risk assessments and compliance gap analyses. Provide concrete examples of how you've identified risks and implemented solutions to improve compliance frameworks.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills. Think of instances where you've effectively engaged with stakeholders, whether internal or external, and how you ensured their needs were met while upholding compliance standards.