Audit Compliance Manager in Ashford

• Audit Compliance Manager
• International Trade Association – Ashford, Kent (Office Based)

Contract: Permanent, Full Time. Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexible working hours: 8am–4pm / 9am–5pm / 10am–6pm. Free parking available next to Ashford International Station.

Overview

Our client, a well‑recognised international trade association, is seeking an experienced Audit Compliance Manager to join their Head Office team.

The role supports internal and third‑party audit activities across the Quality Department and Corporate Membership Services Department, ensuring compliance with governance, policy and internationally recognised standards.

The Role

The Audit Compliance Manager will support the Quality Manager in delivering and continuously improving the organisation’s internal and third‑party audit programme using a risk‑based approach.

Responsibilities include coordinating the global audit team, conducting internal audits, producing reports and maintaining ISO‑aligned quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all audits comply with governance, policies, procedures and ISO 17024 standards.
• Support and monitor audit team objectives and performance.
• Coordinate and manage global audit activities and resolve audit‑related queries.
• Perform internal audits and document findings clearly and accurately.
• Produce concise audit reports highlighting concerns, risks, trends and recommendations.
• Conduct trend analysis and use audit outcomes to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collate, analyse and present audit performance data and metrics.
• Review audit reports and communicate required amendments effectively.
• Produce and maintain audit‑related procedures, documentation and bulletins.
• Manage feedback processes and follow up on audit findings to ensure timely resolution.
• Promote quality improvement across the audit team and the wider organisation.
• Identify and report significant findings and risks to management.
• Assist with audit team recruitment and support training and development activities.
• Provide guidance and training to auditors and staff on audit best practice.
• Support research and improvement initiatives relating to audit systems, software and reporting processes.
• Assist with ad‑hoc projects and office duties as required.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a lead audit role.
• Strong experience of internal and third‑party audit methodologies and techniques, including audit planning, scheduling, resource allocation, report writing and classification of audit outcomes.
• Experience managing auditors and audit teams.
• Experience within Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Strong analytical skills with experience collating and presenting audit data and metrics.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret technical standards, procedures and reports.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience delivering training and guidance to staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Good numeracy and statistical analysis skills.
• Familiarity with risk assessments.
• Excellent IT skills (Word, Excel, Power Point, video conferencing platforms and quality management software).
• Working knowledge of ISO 19011.

Desirable

• Experience working with external quality assurance agencies, professional bodies or collaborative partners.
• Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 17024 and ISO 17021 standards.
• Experience in process improvement and audit system development.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional or vocational qualification.
• Recognised professional Internal Auditor qualification (essential).
• Recognised professional Lead Auditor qualification (essential).
• Membership of a professional audit‑related body such as IRCA/CQI (desirable).

EEO Statement

Membership Bespoke positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

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