Certification Body Manager - MS - Abu Dhabi

TÜV SÜD – A global leader in the field of testing, inspection, management system certification and product certification renowned for quality, integrity and technical excellence.

Established more than 150 years ago in Germany, TÜV SÜD is a leading global provider of technical services with more than 28,000 highly skilled employees across 1,000 offices worldwide. TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of testing & product certification, inspection, auditing & system certification, training and knowledge services. We are a premium quality, safety, and sustainability solutions provider.

Job Purpose:

The Certification Body Manager is responsible for the overall management, integrity, compliance, and effectiveness of certification activities in accordance with applicable accreditation requirements, international standards, and regulatory obligations. The role ensures that certification processes are conducted impartially, competently, and in compliance with accreditation body requirements such as EIAC, ENAS, SAC, DAkkS, NABCB or equivalent.

YOUR TASK:

1.Accreditation Management

• Maintain and ensure continuous compliance with accreditation requirements (e.g., ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO 17065, ISO 17024 as applicable).
• Act as the primary point of contact with accreditation bodies such as EIAC, ENAS, SAC, DAkkS, NABCB or equivalent
• Prepare, submit, and manage accreditation applications, scope extensions, renewals, and surveillance assessments .
• Coordinate and support witness audits, office assessments, and compliance evaluations conducted by accreditation bodies.
• Address non-conformities (NCs) raised by accreditation bodies, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Monitor changes in accreditation rules (internal and external), IAF MDs, and regulatory requirements and ensure timely implementation.

2. Certification Process Management

• Oversee the end-to-end certification cycle, including:
• • Application review
  • Contract review
  • Audit planning
  • Stage 1 & Stage 2 audits
  • Surveillance audits
  • Recertification audits
  • Special audits (scope extension, transfer, short notice audits)
• Ensure audits are conducted as per defined certification procedures, audit durations, and accreditation rules .
• Review and validate certification decisions , ensuring independence between audit and decision-making functions.
Ensure timely issuance, suspension, withdrawal, or renewal of certificates.

3. Surveillance & Recertification Audit Management

• Ensure proper planning and execution of surveillance audits as per certification cycle requirements.
• Monitor audit intervals, audit days, and sampling requirements.
• Review recertification audit plans, reports, and decision records to ensure continuity of certification.
Ensure customer compliance with certification rules throughout the certification cycle.

4. Auditor & Technical Expert Management

• Define and maintain auditor qualification, competence criteria, and authorization matrices .
• Approve, monitor, and periodically review auditor competence, performance, and ongoing professional development .
• Ensure auditors and technical experts meet requirements for:
• • Education
  • Industry experience
  • Audit experience
  • Standard-specific competence
• Conduct witness audits, performance evaluations, and competence reviews of auditors.
Manage auditor authorization, suspension, or withdrawal where required.

5. Audit Report & Certification Decision Review

• Review audit reports for technical adequacy, completeness, and compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Ensure proper classification and closure of non-conformities raised during audits.
• Ensure certification decisions are made by authorized, impartial personnel independent of the audit process.
Maintain records of certification decisions and justifications.

6. Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight

• Maintain and improve the Certification Body’s Quality Management System in line with ISO/IEC standards.
• Ensure control of procedures, manuals, records, and templates.
• Conduct or oversee internal audits and management reviews .
• Track KPIs related to certification quality, timeliness, and compliance.
Manage customer complaints, appeals, and disputes related to certification activities.

7. Regulatory & Compliance Audits

• Lead preparation and coordination for audits conducted by:
• • Accreditation bodies (e.g., EIAC, DAkkS)
  • Regulatory authorities (e.g. SASO)
  • Scheme owners
• Ensure timely response to audit findings and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain readiness for unannounced or short-notice audits .
  

8. Impartiality & Confidentiality

• Ensure the impartiality, independence, and confidentiality of certification activities.
• Manage and monitor impartiality risk assessments .
Ensure no conflict of interest exists between certification, consulting, or other activities.

9. Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as escalation point for key clients, critical issues, complaints, or appeals .
• Support business development teams by ensuring certification offerings comply with accreditation rules.
Liaise with scheme owners, regulators, and industry bodies.

10. Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of:
• • Audits
  • Certification decisions
  • Auditor competence
  • Accreditation communications
Prepare management reports for senior leadership on certification performance, risks, and compliance status.

YOUR QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or relevant technical discipline (Master’s preferred).

Experience

• Minimum 8–12 years experience in TIC / Certification industry (including auditing)
• Minimum 3–5 years in a managerial or decision-making role within a Certification Body.
• Strong experience working with accreditation bodies such as DAkkS, NABCB, IAS, UKAS or equivalent
  

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of ISO/IEC 17021-1 and IAF Mandatory Documents .
• Strong understanding of management system standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, etc.).
• Excellent audit process knowledge and decision-making capability.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
High integrity and ability to manage impartiality and compliance risks.

We test, we audit, we inspect, we advise. We never stop challenging ourselves for the safety of society and its people. We breathe technology, we strive for professional excellence, and we leave a mark. We take the future into our hands. We are TÜV SÜD.