Global Accreditation Director

ERM Certification and Verification Services (CVS), a rapidly growing global team within ERM Group is a Certification, Assurance and Verification Body, with expertise in audit, assessment, validation, verification and assurance work in a wide range of ESG disciplines and sectors.

ERM CVS is looking for the Digital Transformation & Accreditation Director reporting to ERM CVS Managing Director. This role involves deep technical knowledge in different areas of our portfolio of services (assurance/verification, management systems certification, product certification & claims and training services) combined with business leadership knowledge in the digital area.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Establishing an effective internal management system:

• Design, oversight of the implementation and operation of an effective internal management system in compliance with ISO 14019-4, ISO 17021, ISO 17024, ISO 17029, ISO 17030, ISO 17065, ISO 17064, ISAE 3000, ISSA 5000 and other relevant sector-based, industry-specific, service, and global regulatory frameworks to fulfil our growth plans. Role incumbent leads this activity to fulfil Assurance, Certification & Training Partners business demands.
• Defining polices, objectives, roles, and responsibilities, reviewing risks and opportunities associated with our organizational context, lead impartiality and independence requirements, internal audit programs, management reviews, corrective actions and improvement processes, client satisfaction, appeals and complaints ensuring compliance and client centricity.

2) Maintaining and expanding our accreditations and technical licenses to operate

• Lead our organization liaison with key external stakeholders, particularly accreditation bodies, regulators, scheme owners, chambers, and associations.
• Ensure that we retain and expand our accreditation and technical licences including competency management, to operate in a timely manner, in the most effective way while ensuring professional long-term relationships. This activity includes the selection of relevant and adequate accreditation partners and vendors to ensure our business will evolve according to our strategic plans.

3) Drive process improvement, innovation, and digital transformation agenda.

• Lead process improvement projects to ensure ERM CVS is a competitive, agile, commercially and client driven organization focussed on delivering a superior client experience.
• Lead our digital transformational agenda, systematically reviewing the way we do business to identify opportunities to innovate, improve, optimize, embed efficiency, and lead cost reduction initiatives.

(4) Develop our portfolio of services.

• With input from Business Unit Leaders, lead the development of our commercial portfolio of services, to ensure a differentiated and diverse delivery capability and particularly:
  • Enhancement of the Sustainability portfolio, expanding in areas of environmental, health & safety, social, product life cycle and business continuity areas
  • Expand Quality portfolio of services, including sector specific programs.
  • Launch a Digital Trust portfolio of services including the development of conformity assessment (validation, verification, audits, certification, testing) and training services in the domain of information security, cyber security, artificial intelligence, risk management, penetration testing, data privacy, and related fields.
• This activity encompasses the development of business cases, definition of strategic plans, developing a portfolio of services, building teams, training and overseeing our commercial and operational workforce, using different frameworks to fulfil market and client demands, contributing to the growth of our business by performing 30% of your time in billable activities linked to client specific projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor equivalent degree in the field of engineering, information technology or environmental/sustainability science. MBA/master’s degree is a plus.
• Proven experience as an Accreditation, Technical or Service Delivery Leader at a relevant Certification or Verification Body, including experience in designing, developing, maintaining internal management systems and deep understanding of accreditation standards and procedures.
• Proven experience leading teams and complex projects.
• Proven experience in leading and delivering Digital Transformation projects.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest to learn about non-accredited services (e.g., conducted under ISAE 3000, internal audits, product claims).
• Global awareness of the global market related to evolving sustainability related assurance requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of leaders and team members using influencing skills, navigating complexity and sometimes conflicting priorities and ambiguities, to achieve expected outcomes.

Specific Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience working for relevant certification or verification bodies, in auditing, verifier and/or training roles. This will include at least 5 years in leadership roles, proven record in developing internal management systems, leading digital transformation projects, people leadership and responsibility for the leadership of Accreditation Bodies relationships in relevant geographies that we operate (especially North America, EMEA, Asia).
• In-depth knowledge of international, regional, and national accreditation standards and requirements related to assurance, verification, and certification domains. Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and standards considering different organizational contexts and risk appetite. Record of launching new accredited certification, verification, and/or training programs, preferable in the field of sustainability, digital trust, and/or quality.
• Experience in developing strategic plans, preparing business cases, supporting the preparation of budgets and been familiar with P&L management.
• Proficiency in data analysis and the use of assessment tools. Familiarity with quality assurance processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with developing/implementing or integrating digital tools, including e-commerce.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in training and mentoring staff on accreditation and assessment processes.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in data analysis, procedures writing and objective reporting.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to understand and respect cultural and linguistic differences, build meaningful connections, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts with empathy and tact working in multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and standards.

Working Conditions:

• This position is hybrid in nature, and require occasional travels to relevant offices, accreditation bodies and clients.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to be very agile due to quickly evolving market conditions.
• Collaborating with a team of leaders with enthusiastic teams committed to growth and learning.

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