Global Product Manager - Sustainable Seafood Certification (MSC/ASC)

SGS; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS is seeking a Global Product Manager for MSC/ASC to drive certification services, grow the product in key regions and ensure long-term viability. You will lead a global team across locations, oversee audits, accreditations, and scheme launches, and align with Marketing and other Product Managers to seize opportunities and manage regulatory changes.

You will shape the commercial strategy, monitor KPIs, and guide internal and external stakeholders while maintaining SGS standards of integrity

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of MSC/ASC Seafood Certification and related regulations.
• Ability to combine technical credibility with relationship management and commercial awareness.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams across locations and markets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Global MSC/ASC team across multiple locations to maintain competence, motivation and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with audit, accreditation and approval criteria to support certification decisions.
• Develop and monitor internal/external KPIs to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Safeguard SGS business and brand by maintaining accreditations and approvals.
• Lead the launch and updates of MSC/ASC schemes and revisions.
• Manage department costs to support P&L targets.
• Conduct performance reviews and recruit as needed.
• Act as the technical expert for the MSC/ASC network and communicate key messages to stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with scheme technical management and interact with other Product Managers.

Skills

Food aquaculture knowledge

Quality systems knowledge

Auditing & certification

Team leadership

Go-to-market strategy

Regulatory intelligence

Digital mindset

Analytical/problem-solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal relationships

Microsoft 365

Copilot 365 / AI tools

Tools

Copilot 365

Microsoft 365

Job description

ROLE PURPOSE

The Global Product Manager, MSC/ASC ensures that the certification services related to the MSC/ASC Chain of Custody and ASC Farm are successful and have long-term viability. The main responsibilities and purpose of this role are :

To have overall responsibility for the successful management of the schemes ensuring the global operation is efficient and meets the expectations of SGS markets (affiliates), external clients, scheme owners and accreditation bodies.

To ensure global internal and external KPIs are met, and all relevant approvals and accreditations are maintained to safeguard the SGS business and reputation.

To provide overall commercial strategy and go-to-market (GTM) guidance for affiliates to facilitate product growth in key countries and regions.

Digital mindset to track competitors' products, research and monitor market trends and to help improve the efficiency of the global MSC/ASC growth strategy.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITES

• To manage the Global MSC/ASC team in multiple locations effectively to ensure the team remains competent, motivated and efficient.
• Maintain full knowledge and understanding of SGS IT systems, procedures and external approval criteria to conduct audit report reviews and allow efficient management of technical review and certification decision process.
• Develop relevant internal and external KPIs and monitor them to facilitate decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure all relevant accreditations and approvals are adhered to, to safeguard the SGS business and brand reputation.
• Manage the launch of new MSC/ASC schemes and revisions.
• Manage the costs and expenses of department effectively to contribute to the overall achievement of the department's P&L targets.
• Carry out performance review appraisals for team and lead recruitment activity as necessary.

• Act as the MSC/ASC technical expert for the global network and effectively convey key messages to stakeholders at all levels within the network demonstrating pragmatism whilst maintaining the integrity of the scheme.
• To achieve and maintain all required accreditations for MSC/ASC and maintain an accurate and up to date knowledge of the product regulatory evolution.
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with the MSC/ASC Scheme technical management
• Communicate and interact effectively with other Product Managers for globally managed food schemes to evaluate opportunities for development and synergies.
• Actively participate in relevant scheme owner committees or working groups to ensure SGS maintains influence and exposure in the area.

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with senior leadership of MSC/ASC.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the Global Food Team, International Sales and Global Key Account Managers as needed.
• In line with the segment strategy, provide business plan for the growth of the product in key countries and regions.
• Alignment with Marketing function in the development of the relevant specific marketing materials to support business growth.
• Contribute to the achievement of the overall objectives of the Food Assurance business.

• At all times, behave in accordance with the Company's Code of Integrity & Professional Conduct.
• At all times, adopt a safe behavior by exercising due regard for the health and safety of employees and clients, in line with policies and procedures.
• This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job.
• The role reports to the Global Food Certification Manager

PROFILE

Extensive knowledge and experience of the MSC/ASC Seafood Certification certification business and relevant regulations.

Ability to combine technical credibility with relationship management and commercial awareness.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent understanding of food Aquaculture and quality systems in a certification and auditing context.
• Background from Certified Body is a must have.
• Digital mindset with experience of compliance, food safety and regulatory intelligence platforms.
• Pragmatic, with proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong team leadership and people management skills.
• Business / commercial acumen to support go-to-market (GTM) strategies.
• Pragmatic with ability to think outside the box.
• Excellent verbal, presentation and technical writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build trusted relationships at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Attention to detail with ability to multi-task effectively, work under pressure.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities across multiple countries or projects.
• Fluent in the English language.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Experience with Copilot 365 and/or similar AI‑powered productivity and decision‑support tools.

DESIRABLE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Lead auditor level (including the required food p