At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct external audits and ensure compliance with industry standards across the UK and internationally.
- Company: Join SGS, the global leader in testing, inspection, and certification.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical cover, generous leave, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product safety and quality while travelling the world.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Lead Auditor with strong knowledge of ISO standards required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 100,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability. SGS’s C&P (Consumer and Products) services help businesses ensure product safety, quality, and compliance through testing, inspection, certification, and auditing—covering everything from manufacturing to distribution across various consumer goods sectors.
Overview of the Role: We are seeking an experienced External Quality Lead Auditor to deliver QAN/QAR and related audits across the UK 30% and internationally 70%. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting clients in maintaining high-quality, safe operations. You will contribute to strengthening SGS’s reputation for excellence through robust audit delivery and customer focus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and conduct external audits for manufacturing auditing systems, in line with BS EN IEC 80079-34 and other relevant schemes (CCC, Korean, North American, etc.)
- Evaluate compliance against documented processes and identify nonconformities, risks and improvement opportunities
- Produce clear, accurate audit reports and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions
- Maintain audit schedules, records, and documentation in line with accreditation requirements
- Champion a strong customer service and quality culture while ensuring compliance with SGS policies and integrity standards
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this role is someone who has experience in delivering third-party audits within engineering or hazardous area environments, with a strong understanding of quality management systems and compliance standards. You will also have the following:
- Proven experience as a Lead Auditor (minimum 2 years)
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and audit principles, techniques, and practices
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report‑writing skills
- High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to manage multiple audits effectively
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (UK and internationally)
- Knowledge of EN ISO/IEC 80079-34 and hazardous area standards (IEC 60079 series)
- Experience within ATEX, UKEx or IECEx environments
- Engineering background with relevant industry exposure
- Higher qualification (e.g. MSc, MBA) or professional membership
Additional Information
Benefits:
- Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
- Private medical cover (immediate access)
- Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
- Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
- An additional day off for your birthday
- Retailer Discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
- Length of Service Awards
- Christmas Vouchers
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives
- Discounted Gym Membership
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
External Quality Auditor in Buxton employer: SGS
SGS in Bar Hill is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a competitive pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance that increases with service. The work culture promotes professional growth through necessary training and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Quality Auditor in Buxton
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like SGS looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace External Quality Auditor in Buxton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at SGS. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at SGS
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with SGS’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
