Technical Quality & Audit Governance Manager
International Trade Association
Ashford, Kent – Office Based
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum + Benefits
Permanent | Full Time | 35 hours per week
Flexible Working Hours: 8am–4pm / 9am–5pm / 10am–6pm
Free Parking | Offices Adjacent to Ashford International Station
An exciting opportunity to influence quality, technical standards and audit governance on an international scale.
Our client, a highly respected international trade association, is seeking an experienced Technical Quality & Audit Governance Manager to join its established team in Ashford, Kent.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically minded quality and assurance professional to play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality, consistency and effectiveness of a global audit programme.
Working across the Quality and Corporate Membership Services departments, you will support an international network of experienced auditors, ensuring the consistent interpretation and application of technical standards, policies and procedures.
This is not a traditional internal audit position. The role is focused on the technical oversight, quality assurance and continuous improvement of an established international audit programme.
It would particularly suit someone with a background in technical assurance, certification, quality management, standards or regulatory compliance, who enjoys interpreting technical requirements, reviewing audit findings, developing procedures and influencing experienced professionals.
The Role
Working closely with the Quality Manager, you will help oversee and continuously improve the organisation's internal and third-party audit activities, ensuring that audits are conducted professionally, consistently and in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
You will review audit reports and findings, provide constructive technical challenge, identify emerging trends and risks, and support the development of auditors working across an international network.
The position also offers the opportunity to contribute to technical policy and procedure development, audit methodology, quality governance and wider continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical and quality oversight of an established global internal and third-party audit programme.
- Ensure audit activities comply with organisational governance, policies, procedures and relevant ISO standards, including ISO 17024.
- Review audit reports, supporting evidence and findings, providing constructive challenge and ensuring consistency in the classification of audit outcomes.
- Support the coordination and management of international audit activities, resolving technical and audit-related queries.
- Monitor audit quality, performance and objectives across the auditor network.
- Conduct internal audits, documenting findings and recommendations accurately.
- Analyse audit outcomes, identifying recurring issues, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Produce clear, concise reports and recommendations for management.
- Collate, analyse and present audit performance data and metrics.
- Develop, review and maintain audit procedures, technical guidance, documentation and bulletins.
- Manage feedback processes and follow up on findings and corrective actions.
- Promote continuous improvement and consistent application of technical standards across the organisation.
- Identify and escalated significant quality, compliance and governance risks.
- Support auditor recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing professional development.
- Provide guidance and coaching to auditors and colleagues on audit methodology and best practice.
- Contribute to improvements in audit systems, reporting processes and software.
- Support wider quality, technical and governance projects as required.
About You
We are looking for an experienced audit, quality or technical assurance professional with the credibility and judgement to work effectively with established auditors and technical specialists.
You will combine strong technical knowledge with excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Recognised ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification.
- Recognised Internal Auditor qualification.
- Minimum of three years' experience in a Lead Auditor or equivalent audit-focused role.
- Strong understanding of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
- Experience of internal and third-party audit methodologies, including planning, scheduling, reporting and classification of findings.
- Experience coordinating, managing, reviewing or developing auditors and audit programmes.
- Ability to review audit evidence and reports, challenge findings constructively and promote consistency.
- Experience developing or improving quality systems, policies, procedures and audit methodologies.
- Strong analytical skills, including reporting on audit trends, risks and performance.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement and risk-based approaches.
- Working knowledge of ISO 19011.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
- Confidence working with experienced technical professionals and providing constructive feedback.
- Experience delivering training, coaching or technical guidance.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
- Knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 17021 and/or ISO 17024.
- Experience within a certification body, technical trade association, professional membership organisation or regulated industry.
- Experience working with international audit programmes or geographically dispersed auditor teams.
- Experience of technical standards interpretation, policy development or audit governance.
- Membership of a professional body such as CQI/IRCA.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to move beyond individual audit delivery and have a wider influence on the quality and effectiveness of an international audit programme.
You will work with experienced technical professionals, contribute to the development of quality standards and procedures, and help shape the continuous improvement of a respected international organisation.
The role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, a 35-hour working week and flexible start and finish times.
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Technical Quality & Audit Governance Manager in Ashford employer: Membership Bespoke
Membership Bespoke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on governance within a senior leadership environment, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and collaboration. Located in London, the company provides unique opportunities to engage with influential stakeholders while shaping high-quality governance practices.
