Business Certifications Manager

Pearson; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global education company is seeking a Business Certifications Manager in Rotherham, UK. This role involves leading quality management systems and ensuring compliance with ISO standards, alongside managing impactful projects across the organization. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills and a passion for driving continuous improvement. The job offers a hybrid work environment, blending remote and office work, along with a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Attractive UK benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to foster a culture of business excellence within teams.
• Hands-on involvement in implementing ISO 27001 and/or ISO 9001.
• Experience in driving process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Champion the development of quality management systems.
• Collaborate with colleagues for regulatory compliance.
• Review and update policies and documentation.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Continuous improvement

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Professional certification in ISO implementation or auditing

Formal training in project management methodologies

Job description

Job Overview

Are you ready to make a real difference in quality, information security, and continual improvement? We're looking for a proactive and highly organised individual to join our Audit and Quality Team as our Business Certifications Manager for a 12 months Fixed Term Contract (FTC). In this pivotal role, you'll be at the centre of our mission to drive best practice and continual improvement across the qualifications business. You'll have the opportunity to lead the planning, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of our quality and information security management systems, ensuring we meet and exceed ISO standards such as Quality ISO 9001 and Information Security ISO 27001. This is your chance to work closely with stakeholders at all levels, influence a culture of excellence, and manage projects that have a lasting impact. If you have strong project management skills, a talent for engaging others, a passion for continuous improvement and information security, we'd love to hear from you. Step into a role where your contributions truly matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of our quality and information security management systems, ensuring we meet and exceed ISO standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the business to drive compliance with ISO and regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of best practice.
• Design and deliver engaging training sessions that empower teams and promote a culture of excellence.
• Lead and manage impactful improvement projects, working closely with stakeholders to deliver meaningful change.
• Review, update, and develop procedures, policies, and documentation to ensure we remain at the forefront of external business standards.
• Prepare for and facilitate third-party audits (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus), building strong relationships with certification bodies.
• Take the lead in preparing and delivering management reviews, ensuring our leadership team is informed and engaged.
• Conduct gap analyses against business standards to support ongoing improvement and compliance.
• Support other teams in maintaining regulatory compliance, including business continuity (ISO 22301).
• Drive business improvement activities following internal and external audits, ensuring lessons learned are translated into action.
• Work closely with enabling functions (information security, technology, data privacy) to ensure our practices align with global policies and standards.

Key Challenges

• Inspire positive change by influencing behaviours at every level of a large and diverse organisation.
• Balance the demands of regulatory compliance with the evolving needs and priorities of the business, ensuring both are met without compromise.
• Use your negotiation and persuasion skills to engage and motivate management, making a compelling case for continual improvement.
• Manage multiple activities flexibly, adapting to shifting business needs and tight schedules while maintaining high standards.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proven ability to deliver training and foster a culture of business excellence within teams across the organisation.
• Strong project management and analytical skills, with a track record of leading and delivering impactful projects.
• Experience influencing staff at all levels, including senior management, to drive positive change and compliance.
• Good understanding of quality and information security best practices and their application in a business context.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and frameworks.
• Experience of driving process improvement initiatives that deliver measurable benefits to teams.
• Ability to design, document, and map business processes, with an appreciation for how clear process mapping supports continuous improvement.
• Experience of maintaining and enhancing information and quality management systems, ensuring they remain robust and effective in a dynamic business environment.
• Hands‑on involvement in implementing ISO 27001 and/or ISO 9001 management systems, or equivalent frameworks, demonstrating a commitment to high standards and continual improvement.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Professional certification in ISO implementation or auditing, such as ISO Lead Auditor, showing a dedication to professional growth and best practice.
• Formal training or certification in project management methodologies.
• Strong understanding of the Cyber Essentials Plus framework, with the ability to apply this knowledge to strengthen organisational security and compliance.

Work Environment

Hybrid working, with some travel to London office and other Pearson sites or suppliers. May require overnight stays for visits.

Role requires a high level of concentration and attention to detail, often working under tight deadlines to ensure compliance.

Normal working hours apply (37.5 hours per week); flexibility as required to meet business needs.

Reporting Structure

The role reports directly to the Head of Audit and Quality within the Business Improvement and Regulation division.

This vacancy will close on 24th December. Please note that, due to the holiday period, we will review applications after the closing date and be in touch in the New Year with an update on your application.

Your rewards & benefits

We know you'll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesn't fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families too.

Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Pearson Jobs - Benefits

Who we are:

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].