International Manager

Job Summary

NQA is seeking an International Manager to lead the operational oversight of NQA's global certification activities. In this role, you'll work closely with global teams, agents and stakeholders to ensure certification activities are delivered efficiently, consistently and in line with accreditation requirements, while supporting business growth and continuous improvement across international markets. This is a hybrid role, based in Dunstable. NQA provides accredited certification, training and support services to help customers improve processes, performance and products and services. We have issued over 50,000 certificates to clients in over 90 countries resulting in a yearly revenue of around 100 million Euro. NQA was acquired by Kiwa in 2024, a global leader in the Testing, Inspecting and Certification (TIC) sector, based in the Netherlands.

About the role

• Lead and support international certification operations, providing technical and operational guidance to global teams, agents and stakeholders
• Ensure certification activities comply with accreditation requirements, regulatory obligations, certification scheme rules and NQA procedures.
• Monitor operational performance, KPI's and certification timelines, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Oversee certification activities, including certification reviews, audit programmes and technical scope management, ensuring accuracy and compliance. 
• Support international offices and agents through guidance, coaching and knowledge sharing, helping to develop technical competence and promote best practice.
• Ensure changes to standards, accreditation requirements and certification schemes are effectively communicated and implemented across international operations.
• Identify and manage operational, regulatory and impartiality risks, escalating issues where appropriate. 
• Support internal audits, accreditation assessments and corrective action activities, maintaining the integrity of certification records and driving continual improvement. 
• Represent NQA at industry, scheme and accreditation meetings, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Contribute to international operational and technical strategy, supporting business growth, expansion into new markets and the ongoing development of international certification services.

Do you have what it takes?

• Proven experience within a certification body in a technical or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of management systems certification and accreditation requirements, including ISO/IEC 17021-1 and associated IAF requirements.
• Successful completion of a recognised Lead Auditor course.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make technical and operational decisions. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience coaching, mentoring and leading by example.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Committed to continuous professional development and staying up to date with industry developments.
• Approved Lead Auditor status in one or more management systems standards is desirable. 
• Willingness to travel when required.

What can you expect from us in return?

• Competitive Salary - salary details on request
• 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday, hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office)
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, increased entitlement with length of service
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 3 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Long service rewards
• Salary Reviews
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Cycle Loan Scheme
• Electric Power Point Loan
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
• 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 [email protected].