International Manager

Role overview

Operational responsibilities

• Lead and support international certification operations, providing technical and operational guidance to global teams, agents, and stakeholders.
• Ensure certification activities comply with accreditation requirements, regulatory obligations, certification scheme rules, and NQA procedures.
• Monitor operational performance, KPIs, and certification timelines to identify improvements in efficiency and service delivery.
• Oversee certification reviews, audit programmes, and technical scope management for accuracy and compliance.
• Guide, coach, and share knowledge with international offices and agents to develop technical competence and promote best practice.

Risk, strategy, and improvement

• Communicate and implement changes to standards, accreditation requirements, and certification schemes across international operations.
• Identify and manage operational, regulatory, and impartiality risks, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support internal audits, accreditation assessments, and corrective actions; maintain certification records and drive continual improvement.
• Represent NQA at industry, scheme, and accreditation meetings and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Contribute to international operational and technical strategy, business growth, new-market expansion, and certification-service development.

Experience and qualifications

• Proven experience within a certification body in a technical or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of management systems certification and accreditation requirements, including ISO/IEC 17021-1 and associated IAF requirements.
• Successful completion of a recognised Lead Auditor course.
• Approved Lead Auditor status in one or more management systems standards is desirable.
• Strong organisational, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills; able to make technical and operational decisions.
• Experience coaching and mentoring, strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, and commitment to continuous professional development.
• Willingness to travel when required.

Working arrangements

• 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with hybrid working and one to two office days per week.

Compensation and benefits

• Salary details are available on request.
• Benefits include annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, private medical insurance, enhanced family leave, enhanced pension contributions, and life assurance.
• Additional benefits include long-service rewards, salary reviews, cycle and electric power point loan schemes, free eye tests, and a contribution towards glasses.

About NQA and Kiwa