Technical Manager (INFORMED Certification Programs)

Job Description

The Technical Manager is responsible for the overall technical and operational oversight of certification activities associated with the Informed family of certification programs. The role ensures that all certification activities are conducted in compliance with established certification requirements, certification scheme rules, and internal procedures, while supporting ongoing quality and compliance initiatives. The position provides leadership, guidance, and training to auditors to ensure impartiality, competence, and consistency in certification outcomes. Additionally, the Technical Manager is responsible for the development and continual improvement of new and existing standards.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to capably perform each of the following essential duties:

• Business Impact: Ensure consistent, accurate and compliant day-to-day execution of certification activities in alignment with relevant accreditation standards. Maintain program integrity over time through scheduled evaluations, training and continuous alignment with evolving standards and regulatory expectations. Provide technical leadership in the resolution of complex certification cases by participating in technical review forums, as needed. Support the organization’s broader service portfolio by contributing to the development, maintenance and evolution of internally owned, non-accredited standards.

• Innovation & Change: Exercise independent judgment in driving innovation and change across certification processes, proactively identifying and implementing improvements. Interpret certification standards and regulatory requirements to define, draft, implement and monitor procedures and SOPs.

• Type of Work: The role operates tactically with hands-on activities (e.g. audit oversight, report review, certification decisions, procedure & policy creation, auditor training and guidance) which focus on ensuring certification decisions are accurate, consistent, and compliant with relevant accreditation standards. The role operates strategically (e.g. technical input and recommendations, technical policy setting, risk management, capability building) to help shape the long-term creditability, scalability, and relevance of the certification programs.

• Key Stakeholders: Internal and external stakeholders across both regional and global environments. Internally, the role works cross-functionally with auditors, Quality, and senior leadership to ensure consistent and compliant certification activities in accordance with relevant accreditation standards. Externally, the role interfaces with client organizations, accreditation bodies and regulatory and standards-setting organizations (e.g. for alignment, interpretation and representation).

• Communications: Effectively collaborate and communicate with all stakeholders to facilitate success of business objectives.

• People Management: Directly manage the performance, development and day-to-day priorities of auditors, including recruitment support, objective setting, training & competency development, and ongoing performance management.

• Process Oversight: Design, implement and oversee the consistent and compliant execution of certification processes to ensure accurate, impartial, and defensible outcomes in alignment with relevant accreditation standards.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality management systems applicable to food, pharmaceutical and/or dietary supplements, including familiarity with internationally recognized guidelines and the ability to apply these requirements within a certification and conformity assessment context.

• Continuous Improvement: Develop, implement, and continuously improve certification procedures, technical policies, audit protocols, and supporting tools to ensure scalable, efficient, and effective program delivery. Contribute to the periodic review and refinement of non-accredited standards by identifying and implementing improvement opportunities aligned with industry trends.

• Data & Metrics: Reports on certification metrics and audit outcomes, including nonconformity trends, turnaround times, and auditor consistency.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable work experience) in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant quality standards and conformity assessment principles.

• Prior experience in relevant industries, e.g. application of standards in a certification body and/or standards development and management.

• Knowledge and awareness of the Informed standards.

• Demonstrated communication skills, with the ability to communicate in various formats to external partners and all levels of an organization.

• Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Information

We deliver world-class solutions and foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive and achieve their full potential!

Equal opportunities

We are committed to ensuring that every job applicant and employee is valued for their individual talents. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental status, religion, or belief. We proudly support an inclusive work environment where everyone can compete and succeed based on their merits.