At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Cotecna's global quality strategy and drive continuous improvement across all business lines.
- Company: Join a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification with a mission-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse teams, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: High-impact leadership role with global visibility and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality foundations that support Cotecna’s growth worldwide.
- Qualifications: University degree or 5+ years in quality management; ISO certifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Why Join Cotecna? Cotecna is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, operating in over 100 countries and enabling trade, compliance, and safety across complex international supply chains. The company is known for combining deep technical expertise with innovative digital solutions, helping governments and businesses operate with trust and transparency. Joining Cotecna means becoming part of a mission‑driven organization that values accountability, open communication, and making things happen. You’ll work with diverse teams across the world and play a pivotal role in strengthening the quality foundations that support Cotecna’s growth.
About the Role As Head of Quality, reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, you will lead Cotecna’s global quality strategy, ensuring the organization maintains the management systems, certifications, and accreditations that underpin its credibility and growth. You will drive continuous improvement, strengthen operational excellence, and embed quality culture across all business lines and regions. This is a high‑impact leadership role with global visibility and influence.
Key Responsibilities
- Group Certifications & Accreditations: Lead and manage Cotecna’s ISO 9001 group certification and ISO 17020 group accreditation, including coordination with certification and accreditation bodies. Ensure successful planning, execution, reporting, and closure of all ISO 17020 internal audits across the network. Maintain and support additional accreditations such as ISO 17065 and FSC Chain of Custody.
- Quality Governance & Frameworks: Own and evolve the Cotecna Business Framework, ensuring its principles are understood and applied consistently across the organization. Oversee the documentation architecture supporting the framework and validate its quality and alignment.
- Operational Quality Leadership: Provide expert support to Cotecna entities on ISO 9001, ISO 17020, ISO 17025, ISO 17065, and other management systems. Support business lines in achieving new certifications and accreditations required for strategic growth. Act as Quality Manager for Geneva HQ, ensuring internal audits, corrective actions, and management reviews are effectively executed.
- Internal Audit & Technical Governance: Contribute to global internal audit planning and technical governance audits. Ensure non‑conformities and corrective actions are systematically followed up and closed.
- Sustainability & Chain of Custody: Oversee development and monitoring of sustainability KPIs related to environmental impact and supplier performance. Serve as the FSC Management System Manager, responsible for establishing and maintaining the FSC Chain of Custody certification system.
What You Bring
Qualifications & Experience: University degree or minimum 5 years’ experience in quality management. IRCA ISO 9001 QMS Lead Auditor certification preferred. Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 17020, ISO 17065 (mandatory). Experience with ISO 17021, ISO 17025, or FSC Chain of Custody is an advantage. Background in certification activities (management systems, product certification, etc.) is desirable.
Skills & Competencies: Strong analytical mindset with excellent follow‑through. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities. Excellent communication skills in English; French or Spanish is a plus. Ability to engage effectively with all organizational levels, from operational teams to the CEO. Project management capability. Leadership competencies aligned with Cotecna’s values: Drives Results, Customer Focus, Collaboration, Business Insight, and Situational Adaptability.
Head of Quality in Exeter employer: Cotecna
Cotecna is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of accountability and open communication, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of quality management. With a commitment to employee growth and development, Cotecna offers unique opportunities to lead global quality strategies while working alongside diverse teams across over 100 countries. The company's focus on innovation and operational excellence ensures that you will be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to enhancing trade and compliance in a transparent manner.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Cotecna or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Cotecna’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission-driven approach and how you can contribute to their quality strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for quality management and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from Cotecna.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Quality role. Highlight your expertise in ISO standards and quality management, as these are key to what we’re looking for at Cotecna.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about quality management and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our mission-driven organisation. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s leading successful audits or driving continuous improvement, we want to see how you’ve made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Cotecna!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotecna
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 9001, ISO 17020, and ISO 17065. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these standards and how you can drive quality improvements at Cotecna.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led quality initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to engage teams and drive results, as this role requires strong leadership aligned with Cotecna’s values.
✨Understand Cotecna's Mission
Research Cotecna’s mission and values. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of enabling trade and compliance across global supply chains.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Cotecna’s quality governance and operational challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
