Management System Certification Scheme Leader

Key Accountabilities

1. Regulatory Compliance Expertise: 
- A Certification Scheme Leader should have a deep understanding of European Union (EU) or Certification Body or industry safety and conformity regulations and directives applicable to the specific products, services, or systems covered by the certification scheme. 
- Stay up-to-date with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and guidelines to ensure that the certification scheme aligns with the latest requirements.
2. Scheme Development and Management:  
- Develop, implement, and manage certification schemes that define the criteria and procedures for certifying products, services, or systems. This involves setting clear guidelines for certification.
3. Team Management: 
- Supports and trains a team of certification professionals, including engineers, inspectors, and technical experts, ensuring they are well-trained, motivated, and capable of assessing systems for compliance.
4. Assessment and Auditing: 
- Oversee the assessment and auditing process for products, services, or systems certification. This may involve reviewing product documentation, conducting on-site inspections, and working closely with manufacturers to ensure compliance.
5. Certification Decision-Making: 
- Make certification decisions based on the results of assessments and audits. Determine whether the products, services, or systems meet the necessary standards for certification
6. Quality Control: 
- Establish and maintain a robust quality control system to ensure the consistency and integrity of the certification process.
7. Customer Relations: 
-Interact with manufacturers and clients, addressing their inquiries, providing guidance on compliance, and building and maintaining positive working relationships.
8. Market Surveillance and Compliance Monitoring: 
- Collaborate with relevant authorities, regulatory bodies or Industry associations to conduct market surveillance and compliance monitoring to identify and address non-compliant products.
9. Continuous Improvement: 
- Continuously evaluate and improve the certification scheme, processes, and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness and alignment with industry best practice.
10. Reporting and Documentation: 
- Maintain detailed records and reports related to product certifications, audits, and compliance activities. Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory bodies.
11. Risk Assessment:
- Assess and manage risks associated with non-compliant products and work on strategies to mitigate those risks.
12. Industry Collaboration: 
- Collaborate with relevant industry associations and standards organizations to stay informed about industry developments and to align certification processes with industry best practices.
13- Data Management: 
- Maintain comprehensive records and reports related to certification activities, audits, and compliance efforts. Prepare and submit required reports to relevant authorities.
14. Training and Development: 
- Provide training a to junior and mid-level staff, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles effectively.

Education

Mission

A  Certification Scheme Leader ensures that products, services, or systems meet the necessary International, National and European Union (EU) or Accreditation Body  or Certification Body or  industry safety and conformity requirements.

Qualifications

- Required language: English - Level B2

- 1-3 years of experience in certification and conformity assessment.
- Hands-on experience managing certification schemes.
- Experience in team leadership and decision-making in a certification environment.
- Certification Product Management – Knowledge of certification schemes, auditing, regulatory frameworks and market contest and needs.
- Decision-Making – Ability to evaluate compliance data and make certification decisions.
- Project & Team Coordination – Experience in managing teams and overseeing certification projects.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Ability to liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

- Knowledge of ISO9001 and EN9100 series standards and relevant certification processes.
- Optional: knowledge of other Quality Management System Certification schemes (e.g., IRIS 4.0, ISO13485).

- Optional: for EN9100 series standards, AA (Aerospace Auditor) qualification.

Competencies