Lead Auditor South East

3core2 Certification is an accredited certification body delivering high‑quality audit and certification services across a wide range of internationally recognised management system standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO/IEC 27001. We pride ourselves on our strong focus on customer service, integrity, and technical excellence, working closely with organisations of all sizes to provide reliable, transparent, and value‑adding audits. With a commitment to professionalism and a people‑centred approach, we support our clients in achieving robust, resilient, and continually improving management systems.

As a Lead Auditor at 3Core2 Certification Ltd, you will be responsible for planning, conducting, and reporting management system audits in accordance with accredited ISO standards and internal procedures. You will lead audit teams, provide guidance and mentorship to junior auditors, and ensure that all audit activities uphold the highest levels of professionalism, impartiality, and technical competence.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrable experience in leading audits, in‑depth knowledge of international management system standards, and relevant sector experience aligned to our client base. You will possess strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and oral, and will be able to articulate the importance of conformity, risk management, and continual improvement to clients and colleagues. The Lead Auditor reports to the Operations Director, with some tasks delegated by the Client Services Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage audit engagements from initiation to completion, following allocation from the Client Services Team.
• Analyse and understand clients’ business processes, risks, and objectives to develop effective audit approaches.
• Assess the adequacy and implementation of management system controls, identify nonconformities, and highlight opportunities for improvement.
• Produce accurate, clear, and timely audit reports and ensure their prompt return to the Client Services Team.
• Liaise directly with the Technical Team to ensure compliance with our accreditation standards.
• Contribute to the continual development of auditing methods, processes, and internal standards.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical support to junior auditors.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of auditing practices, relevant legislation, industry developments, and emerging technologies.
• Foster strong client relationships based on trust, integrity, and professional credibility.
• Respond to client queries relating to audit findings or recommendations in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Manage multiple audit assignments concurrently while meeting strict deadlines.
• Handle sensitive or confidential information responsibly and in accordance with organisational and accreditation requirements.
• Declare all actual or potential conflicts of interest, including consultancy relationships, to maintain impartiality.

Lead Auditors work across varied environments, including corporate offices, industrial facilities, engineering and manufacturing sites, and occasionally remote or home‑based settings. Travel to client premises across the UK is expected. While the role generally follows standard business hours, evening or weekend work may be required to meet audit schedules or reporting deadlines. The role demands strong attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Degree‑level education (BA/BSc) or equivalent professional experience.
• Lead Auditor qualification in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 as a minimum; additional standards advantageous.
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a Lead Auditor.
• At least five years of relevant industry experience, including a minimum of five years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and their practical application.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical ability, including the interpretation of complex information and (where applicable) financial data.
• Confident presenter, capable of engaging large stakeholder groups and senior leadership teams.
• Skilled in preparing concise, meaningful reports and presenting findings at Board level.
• Willingness and ability to challenge processes constructively to drive continual improvement.
• Proven ability to develop effective, professional relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities.
• Highly organised, with excellent planning and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrates high levels of integrity, ethical conduct, and alignment to company values.
• Ability to build and maintain long‑term client relationships that support organisational growth.

Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries

• Public Relations and Communications Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at 3core2 Certification by 2x