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Nicholas Howard is delighted to be recruiting for an Assurance and Certification Manager to join a leading tech systems integrator. We are looking for an experienced Certification Manager to take responsibility for leading the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the organisation’s certification, compliance and internal audit frameworks.

The post-holder will play a pivotal role in co-ordinating and maintaining and growing various certifications, upholding high standards of compliance, and adapting to emerging standards. This role offers the chance to develop and influence quality and security strategies across an internationally growing company while delivering a seamless, cohesive certification and recertification experience. You will work alongside experts and experienced leaders across multiple departments and regions, ensuring our processes secure both brand and client trust.

This is a permanent role, working on a hybrid basis, and the post-holder will spend time on site in London and Portsmouth on a regular basis.

Key Responsibilities:

Certification & Compliance Management:

Lead Certification Efforts: Manage and drive all certification and recertification projects, acting as an escalation point and collaborating across teams to deliver a seamless customer journey.

Enhance and Expand Certification Standards: Champion the upkeep and growth of the certification portfolio, including ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 9001(Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health and Safety), EcoVadis, and Safe Contractor. Simultaneously, actively broaden the international reach and secure new certifications such as ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), ISO 20000 (Service Management), and emerging AI standards, all within an integrated management system.

Primary Contact: Serve as the primary point of contact for certification bodies, external auditors, and regulatory agencies.

Policy & Documentation: Review, update, and implement policies, procedures, and documentation to meet audit and compliance requirements.

Reporting & Recommendations: Deliver comprehensive management review reports that incorporate key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics aligned with our strategic objectives. Track and report on recommendations to drive continuous improvement across our compliance frameworks.

Internal Audit & Assurance Oversight:

Audit Programmes: Develop, plan, and manage robust internal and external audit programmes across all business units, ensuring comprehensive coverage of compliance and certification activities.

Strategic Direction: Set the strategic direction to form effective internal assurance teams that complement overall assurance and risk processes.

Management Review Reporting: Produce detailed management review reports, incorporating KPIs and metrics to provide actionable insights to the executive team.

Committee Leadership: Lead and chair key committees—including the Policy Steering Group, Management Review Committee, and additional working groups—to monitor performance, highlight successes, address challenges, and identify improvement opportunities.

Risk Assessments: Conduct regular gap analyses with certifications, identify non-conformances, and plan and execute corrective actions.

Non-conformance Log: Maintain a Non-conformance and Opportunities for Improvement log, collaborating with stakeholders to address and resolve audit findings.

Risk Management & Governance:

Risk Integration: Identify, assess, and integrate compliance risks into the corporate risk management framework.

Acquisition Support: Facilitate the seamless integration of acquisitions by aligning new processes with established compliance and certification standards.

Data Protection & AI Compliance: Uphold data protection legislation (including GDPR) and ensure adherence to emerging AI standards, safeguarding organisational data and maintaining client trust.

Stakeholder Engagement, Communication & Training:

Expert Guidance: Provide expert advice on certification, auditing, and compliance requirements to internal and external stakeholders.

Training Delivery: Conduct engaging internal training sessions to promote awareness of compliance processes and best practices.

Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with industry bodies, certification authorities, and regulatory agencies.

Data-Driven Strategy: Present clear, data-led strategies supported by analytical insights and effective communication, ensuring that compliance expectations are understood and actionable across all business units.

Teamwork & Collaboration:

Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work alongside experts and experienced leaders across various departments and regions, fostering a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and learning.

Strategic Leadership: Direct and set the strategic direction for internal assurance teams, ensuring that risk and compliance processes are integrated and effective.

Continuous Improvement & Best Practice Development:

Process Optimisation: Lead initiatives to enhance certification readiness and streamline business processes in line with best practices.

Guideline Development: Develop and implement internal process guidelines, templates, and workflows to systemise compliance information.

Strategic Influence: Actively influence quality and security strategies to enhance the company compliance framework, secure brand reputation, and build client trust.

Customer Audits & RFI Management:

Audit Leadership: Serve as the primary lead for customer audits, ensuring full compliance readiness and successful outcomes.

RFI Management: Manage and respond to customer Requests for Information (RFIs) promptly and accurately, representing the organisation with clarity and professionalism.

Qualifications & Experience

A minimum of five years’ experience in certification, compliance, assurance, and internal audit management.

Demonstrable expertise in obtaining and maintaining ISO accreditations (e.g. ISO 9001, 27001, 14001, EcoVadis, 45001, 22301, 20000) alongside emerging AI standards.

Proven experience in conducting both internal and external audits, risk assessments, and compliance gap analyses, ideally across multiple regions.

Experience within a complex IT product or technical delivery environment is highly desirable.

Relevant professional qualifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent certifications are preferred.

Key Skills & Attributes:

Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy and thoroughness in managing complex standards and maintaining compliance across multiple regions.

Analytical Skills: Agility to assess risks, develop effective solutions, and manage cross-functional projects efficiently.

Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous improvement and a passion for learning and adapting to new standards and practices.

Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across regions and engage diverse teams in compliance initiatives.

Organisational & Communication Skills: Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects, deliver data-led strategic reporting, and present clear, well-structured strategies.

Leadership: Experience directing internal assurance teams and working effectively with key stakeholders in a complex environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in supporting a well-established but growing business in enhancing their certification and assurance stance. Please register your interest be submitting your CV for consideration now