Competence Approval Lead

Job Summary

NQA (part of the Kiwa group) are looking for a Competence Approval Lead to join the team. This is a key role responsible for ensuring Field Team Assessors are fully competent, qualified and approved to deliver audit activities safely and effectively. You will play a critical part in maintaining high technical standards across the business. This is a UK remote role. NQA provides accredited certification, training and support services to help customers improve processes, performance and products and services. We have issued over 50,000 certificates to clients in over 90 countries resulting in a yearly revenue of around 100 million Euro. NQA was acquired by Kiwa in 2024, a global leader in the Testing, Inspecting and Certification (TIC) sector, based in the Netherlands.

About the role

• Support delivery of technical competence activities, ensuring all assessors and subcontractors meet regulatory and scheme requirements
• Conduct code mapping exercises to define competence requirements for new starters and associate auditors across UK and international teams
• Review technical knowledge, standards and methods relevant to assessor roles
• Provide clear, constructive feedback throughout the assessment and approval process
• Liaise with assessors to ensure accurate and timely submission of competence documentation
• Act as a key contact for competence related projects across Kiwa international offices
• Support training and ongoing development of auditors
• Make technical decisions and approve codes as part of the verification process
• Support delivery of CPD activities to address competence gaps and improve audit performance
• Coordinate approval processes for auditors and technical experts for new schemes
• Monitor and report on auditor application status as required
• Maintain auditor records, ERP system set up and industry code documentation in line with requirements
• Support resource planning activities aligned to current and future business needs
• Contribute to technical forums and continuous improvement initiatives
• Work closely with UK and international operations teams to support delivery of client contracts
• Support NCR investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Assist with the management and resolution of field-based complaints

Do you have what it takes?

• Proven industry and audit experience, including QMS, EMS and OHSAS
• Strong knowledge of management system schemes and competence requirements
• Health and safety qualification such as NEBOSH, with up-to-date knowledge of legislation including CDM 2015
• Strong IT skills including Word, Outlook and Excel, with experience of databases
• Confident communicator with a professional and proactive approach
• Strong customer focus and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build effective working relationships and support team performance
• Self-motivated, organised and detail focused
• Experience of third-party accreditation
• Good working knowledge of ISO 17021
• Lead Auditor qualification, or willingness to complete (QMS, EMS or OHSAS)
• Collaborative and professional approach when working with colleagues and client

What can you expect from us in return?

• Competitive Salary 
• 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, increased entitlement with length of service
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 3 weeks full pay for paternity leave
• Long service rewards
• Salary Reviews
• Enhanced Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
• Cycle Loan Scheme
• Electric Power Point Loan
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
• 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 uk.careers@kiwa.com.