Safety Director – Citation ISO Certification
This is a strategic and commercial role leading service delivery - not a site-based safety position.
We're looking for a leader who can drive growth, performance, and client outcomes.
Location:
Norwich (minimum 1-2 days per week in-office)
Employment Type:
Full-time, Permanent
At Citation, we don't just provide jobs; we create careers that inspire, empower, and elevate. As one of the UK's leading providers of Health & Safety, HR, Employment Law, and ISO services, we've spent 30 years building a legacy of excellence. This milestone isn't just a celebration of our past—it's a springboard for our future, and we want you to be a part of it.
* We're not your average service provider. Our people bring their whole selves to work, combining their skills with their personalities to deliver outstanding client experiences.
* With year-on-year double-digit growth, this is your chance to join a fast-moving business that values vision, determination, agility, and a knack for building great relationships.
* We've built our success without cutting costs or creating bureaucracy. Instead, we prioritise actions over politics, empowerment over micro-management, and innovation over hierarchy. We are leaders who love what we do – and we want you to share in that passion.
This is a truly exciting time to become part of Citation. With over 110,000 clients who love and rely on us across the group – and over 15 business acquisitions in just three years – our ambition for growth has no limits.
We're also backed by KKR, Hg Capital, and HarbourVest, three of the world's most respected private equity investors. Their new investment strengthens our position, ensuring stability and providing a solid foundation for even greater success over the next 3–5 years and beyond.
The Opportunity
Are you a commercially driven leader with a passion for service transformation? This is your chance to shape the future of ISO certification at Citation.
We're looking for a Service Director to take full ownership of our ISO certification services -leading a talented team of auditors and technical specialists while driving innovation, efficiency, and growth. If you thrive on delivering exceptional client outcomes while building commercially sustainable services, this role offers the platform to make a lasting impact.
You'll oversee operations across key standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, and more), guiding both office-based and field teams. With a strong focus on commercial performance, you'll help us scale, optimise cost-to-serve, and embed AI-driven improvements -without ever compromising on quality.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & People
* Lead, inspire, and grow a high-performing team of auditors, technical experts, and SLT colleagues.
* Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and commercial awareness.
* Drive colleague engagement and retention through effective leadership and development.
* Play a senior role in shaping and delivering the ISO service strategy, budget, and transformation roadmap.
Service Delivery & Operations
* Ensure consistent, high-quality ISO certification services across all standards.
* Maintain compliance with ISO 17021 and uphold our reputation for technical excellence.
* Introduce AI and digital-first initiatives to improve client experience and reduce cost-to-serve.
* Lead digital transformation through Atlas and other technology platforms.
Strategy & Growth
* Partner with the Genesis Service Director to align service delivery with business growth.
* Identify new service lines, emerging ISO standards, and product innovations.
* Develop KPIs and reporting frameworks to track both service excellence and commercial success.
* Drive referral programmes and cross-sell opportunities to maximise revenue potential.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong internal and external relationships (Service SLT, ASCB, accreditation bodies, clients).
* Collaborate across The Citation Group to identify synergies and growth opportunities.
* Represent Citation ISO at industry events and ensure Norwich remains a hub of excellence for colleagues and clients alike.
What We're Looking For
Experience & Background
* Proven senior leadership experience in service delivery, operations, or consulting.
* Strong background in quality management systems — ISO knowledge preferred.
* Track record of commercial delivery: cost optimisation, revenue growth, and service excellence.
* Exposure to professional services, consulting, or certification industries is desirable.
Skills & Leadership Style
* Exceptional leadership skills with experience building commercially focused, high-performing teams.
* Commercial acumen with ability to identify new revenue streams and optimise costs.
* Experience developing referral and cross-sell strategies.
* Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills.
Personal Attributes
* A transformative leader who thrives on change and continuous improvement.
* Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management.
* Client-focused, strategic thinker with strong business judgment.
* Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.
What Makes Citation Different?
At Citation, we've spent three decades creating a culture where people thrive. This isn't just a job—it's a place where your talent is celebrated, your ideas are valued, and your career can flourish.
Here's What You Can Look Forward To:
* Diverse Opportunities
: No two days are the same, thanks to the wide range of industries we support.
* Supportive Environment
: Join a team of professionals who are always ready to share knowledge and help you succeed.
* Celebrating You
: From birthdays off to pawternity leave, we know how to make our colleagues feel valued.
And the Perks Don't Stop There:
* 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
: Plus, your birthday off - because celebrating you matters.
* Post-Wedding Bliss
: Extra holiday to enjoy life's special moments.
* Healthcare Cash Plan
: Prioritising your health and wellbeing.
* Pawternity Leave
: A day off to welcome your new furry family member.
* Community Days
: Time off to volunteer and give back to causes you care about
As we celebrate 30 years of success, we're more excited than ever about the future. If you're ready to work with a team that values your expertise, creativity, and personality, we'd love to welcome you to Citation.
This is your chance to be part of a company where your work doesn't just make a difference—it defines the future of Health & Safety. Ready to start your journey? Let's talk