Certification Manager

Kiwa; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Annual Leave

Private Medical Insurance

Company Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Pension Contributions

Life Assurance

Job summary

Kiwa UK (BASEC) seeks a Certification Manager to lead the Certification department, develop and deliver the certification strategy, manage technical schemes and ensure accreditation compliance. The role is hybrid and based in Milton Keynes.

You will oversee audits, customer certification projects, and a multi-site team, driving improvements and high standards across BASEC services while maintaining impartiality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience building and managing high-performing teams.
• Experience in a multi-site, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience in a similar certification role with knowledge of standards, accreditation, certification and testing activities.
• Qualified Lead Auditor for QMS (training can be provided).
• Knowledge of cable manufacturing, and cable/electrical/polymer standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Certification department, including budgeting, planning, resource management and delivery of targets.
• Lead, develop and support Certification team members, identifying training needs and growth opportunities.
• Develop and maintain certification schemes and ensure compliance with BASEC quality systems.
• Oversee customer certification projects from initiation through to decision-making, ensuring timely delivery.
• Manage audit programmes, including scheduling, report reviews, team assignment, and sample procurement.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, addressing product-related complaints and service issues effectively.
• Build strong customer relationships and drive high levels of customer satisfaction across BASEC's certification services.
• Make recommendations to the Business Unit Leader for proposed certification sanctions to be applied to customers.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Planning & organisation

Communication

Customer relationship management

Auditing

Stakeholder management

Job description

Job Summary

BASEC, part of Kiwa UK, is seeking a Certification Manager to lead its Certification department. This key role is responsible for developing and delivering the certification strategy, managing technical schemes, overseeing customer certification and approvals, ensuring audit quality, driving process improvements, and maintaining accreditation compliance and BASEC Group’s impartiality. This is a hybrid role, based in Milton Keynes.

About the role

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Certification department, including budgeting, planning, resource management and delivery of operational, revenue, and service targets.
• Lead, develop and support Certification team members, identifying training needs and opportunities for professional growth.
• Develop and maintain certification schemes and ensure compliance with BASEC’s quality systems.
• Oversee customer certification projects from initiation through to decision-making, ensuring timely delivery.
• Manage audit programmes, including scheduling, report reviews, team assignment, and sample procurement.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, addressing product-related complaints and service issues effectively.
• Build strong customer relationships and drive high levels of customer satisfaction across BASEC's certification services.
• Make recommendations to the Business Unit Leader for proposed certification sanctions to be applied to customers, as necessary.
• Ensure BASEC meets its responsibilities to customers relating to the Stockist Scheme and market surveillance.

Do you have what it takes?

• Proven experience building and managing high-performing teams.
• Experience in a multi-site, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong track record of delivering operational success.
• Experience in a similar certification role with knowledge of standards, accreditation, certification and testing activities.
• Excellent planning, organisation and time management skills, with the ability to deliver to tight deadlines.
• Experience balancing the needs of customers, stakeholders and employees.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer relationship management and service delivery focus.
• Qualified Lead Auditor for QMS (training can be provided).
• Knowledge of cable manufacturing, and cable/electrical/polymer standards is a plus.

What can you expect from us in return?

• Up to £66,000 per annum
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave and increased entitlement with length of service
• 37.5 hours per week- Monday to Friday, hybrid working pattern (Tuesdays and Thursdays in the office)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Milestone Rewards – paid and unpaid sabbaticals, charity donations, personal gifts, and retail vouchers
• Salary Reviews
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support, advice, and counselling available 24/7, 365 days a year
• 24/7 GP Service – Access to medical advice anytime
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers – Supporting your health and well-being
• 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 [e-mail].