Global Technical Manager Business Assurance
GPMutual Melrose, Scotland, United Kingdom
Company Description
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. At SGS, we have an open corporate and international culture, offering a dynamic work environment in a leading global company. Our high professional standards and sustainability approach guarantee you a future‑oriented work environment, investing in employees for the long term and supporting your development within the company.
Job Description
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES
* Take overall responsibility for the technical development and management of the BA Division.
* Set the overall technical and accreditation strategy for the Division in consultation with the BA Global Head of Certification.
* Through direct management responsibility for product and technical specialists, set and enforce policies that determine product delivery across the organisation.
* Ensure the BA Division’s "licence to operate" and act as the final arbiter on technical matters within the Division.
* Maintain commercial acumen to ensure effective and efficient service delivery, underpinning BA's profitability at a local level.
* Manage international accreditation activities (e.g., UKAS, ANAB) and support the network in maintaining local accreditations.
* Define accreditation strategies, policies and internal systems, advising the BA Senior Management team accordingly.
* Provide effective technical direction and support to the BA certification business network, ensuring adherence to external accreditation standards and requirements.
* Lead the global technical and accreditation functions to ensure the quality of delivered services meets specified business and client requirements.
* Work proactively with the Certification Business Teams to develop enhanced customer services, anticipating and resolving potential conflicts to certification impartiality.
* Manage the overall relationship with global Accreditation Bodies, ensuring clear understanding of SGS local and global structure, strategy and diversity of activities.
* Represent the BA Division externally, particularly as Lead Representative on the International Independent Organisation for Certification (IIOC).
* Co‑operate with global ABs to ensure a cost‑effective AB audit program.
* Lead and direct the global technical team, including management of technical functions and staff.
* Identify, lead and coordinate improvements and continuously review technical standards and simplify procedures to maintain smooth, efficient operations.
* Develop, implement and maintain systems and technical support processes throughout the BA certification business network to ensure optimum efficiency and compliance with corporate objectives.
* Ensure global procedural requirements and technical support processes for certification services are commercially viable.
* Lead and support the development of new products and certification services.
* Investigate breaches of integrity within an affiliate and instruct Business Managers on corrective actions; monitor implementation to restore good practice.
* Collaborate with other teams (e.g., IT) to envision future development of audit business and develop new approaches and tools to maintain market‑leading position, including digital tools and machine learning applications.
This role reports to the Business Assurance – Global Head of Certification (QHSE), Product & Quality Management.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
* Act as a senior member of the BA Certification Business Team, contributing expertise in the strategic direction of BA business.
* Lead advisory to the CBE Business Management team on certification, accreditation, impartiality, and business growth matters.
* Maintain knowledge of core accreditation standards (17021, 17065, IAF, EA) and ensure effective interpretation and implementation.
* Create, approve and communicate core procedural requirements and documents.
* Liaise with external organisations (e.g., IIOC Technical Group, IAF, EA) to represent SGS interests.
* Coordinate with internal parties (operations, sales, IT, product groups) to align core systems.
* Provide general support, influence, and advice on technical/accreditation matters.
* Oversee accreditation body issues and provide support to affiliates.
* Proactively identify risks and opportunities to the CBE business.
* Arbitrate and resolve accreditation/technical/operational/commercial conflicts within the network.
* Continuously identify and initiate opportunities for improvement in systems and procedures.
* Support key accreditations (UKAS, ANAB, SAS + product specifics).
* Maintain technical direction for specified certification products as required.
Qualifications
* Graduate level of studies or equivalent in a commercial or technical discipline.
* Minimum 10 years of business experience, including audit and certification business with technical and commercial responsibilities.
* Thorough understanding of certification and accreditation processes and requirements.
* Experience working within a technical/certification service provider.
* Experience as a Technical Leader.
Required Skills
* Solid understanding of Management System certification and accreditation structures.
* Experience as Lead Auditor / Trainer for accredited third‑party certification.
* Strategic outlook and ability to foster innovation.
* Multi‑tasking and conflict management skills.
* Change management skills.
* Strong influencing and communication skills.
* Commercial and business acumen.
* Proven people‑management skills.
* Fluent in English; proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
* Some flexibility to travel.
Desirable Skills
* Experience in a similar role within SGS, another CB or an Accreditation Body.
* Experience in implementing significant changes to systems and practices.
* Proficiency in additional languages.
* Experience as a trainer or coach internally or externally.
Location
May be anywhere within the network but requires close and regular collaboration with European Bodies and resources.
Additional Information
Why SGS?
* Global and very stable company, world leader in the TIC industry.
* Flexible schedule and hybrid model.
* GSU university and campus for continuous learning options.
* Multinational environment with colleagues from multiple continents.
* Benefits platform.
Join Us
At SGS we believe in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and personal development.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Accounting/Auditing and Finance (Strategic Management Services)
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