Certification Team Leader

Job Summary

BASEC, part of the Kiwa UK group, is seeking a Certification Team Leader to drive the smooth planning and delivery of global auditing and certification activities. In this role, you'll lead the Audit and Certification teams to ensure efficient day-to-day operations, successful worldwide external audits, and high-quality certification processes. You'll play a key role in supporting auditors, coordinating operational plans, and delivering business unit objectives.

About the role

• Reporting to the Certification Manager, lead the Audit and Certification teams, providing supervision, training, performance management and ongoing development. 
• Support the delivery of operational strategies aligned with business growth objectives. 
• Oversee the planning, scheduling and delivery of global audit activities to ensure timely and efficient operations.
• Manage customer certification projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery against agreed targets.
• Make certification decisions and oversee contract and audit quality reviews to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Assisting and participating in activities relating to accreditaion related audits.
• Maintain accurate certification records and technical documentation within operational systems.
• Support the recruitment, development, and retention of technical and audit talent.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maintain certification scheme integrity. 
• Provide regular performance reports and operational updates to the Certification Manager and Senior Management Team. 

Do you have what it takes?

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience managing auditors and/or certification staff, including training and performance management. 
• Experience working within ISO 17065 and/or ISO 17021:2015 frameworks.
• Strong organisational and planning skills to lead an effective audit and scheduling teams.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to work effectively across teams. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Results driven, with the ability to deliver against challenging targets.
• Experience balancing the needs of customers, shareholders and employees. 
• Strong attention to detail and strong problem solving abilities. 
• Willingness to travel as required.

Desirable Criteria:

• Business or Management degree (or equivalent)
• Experience using CRM systems such as Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics.
• CQI/IRCA recognised ISO 9001 Lead Auditor qualification.
• Knowledge of cable manufacturing or the cable industry.
• Knowledge of CPR in both CE and UKCA legislation.

What can you expect from us in return?

• £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave and increased entitlement with length of service
• 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday, hybrid working (Tuesdays and Thursdays in the office)
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Milestone Rewards – paid and unpaid sabbaticals, charity donations, personal gifts, and retail vouchers
• Salary Reviews
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Pension Contributions 
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support, advice, and counselling available 24/7, 365 days a year
• 24/7 GP Service – Access to medical advice anytime
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers – Supporting your health and well-being
• Welcome Pack – Filled with company-branded goodies to kickstart your journey with us

At Kiwa, we deliver results driven by our core values: Ambitious, Reliable, and Engaged the principles that guide how we work with colleagues, customers, and everyone we encounter. We are committed to fostering personal development, encouraging you to be ambitious, explore new ideas, and contribute to making the world a safer, more sustainable place. Here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for growth and self-development.

As an equal opportunity employer, Kiwa celebrates diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. We embrace flexibility in hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds globally, ensuring a work environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and intimidation. Inclusivity and equality are core to who we are, and we uphold these values without exception.

If you have any questions about this role and would like to speak a member of the Talent Team, please e-mail us at uk.careers@kiwa.com.