Head of Automotive and TISAX

Job Summary

Are you ready to shape the future of automotive certification at NQA? We're seeking a Head of Automotive and TISAX to lead the strategic direction, governance and growth of our automotive certification and assurance services. Working closely with senior leadership, regulators, accreditation bodies and international teams, you will drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with industry requirements, and support the continued development of our automotive and TISAX offering. This is a home-based role with UK and international travel and the opportunity to represent NQA within the wider automotive industry. 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

• Lead the strategic direction, governance, and performance of NQA's automotive and TISAX services.
• Develop and maintain effective scheme controls, competence frameworks, authorisations, and quality processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop automotive and TISAX teams while promoting best practice across the wider business.
• Act as the senior point of contact for regulators, accreditation bodies, and industry stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership and expert guidance on IATF, TISAX, and automotive certification requirements.
• Oversee international automotive operations, ensuring consistency, compliance, and high-quality service delivery across multiple regions.
• Monitor scheme performance, operational risks, financial results, and growth opportunities, providing recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support business growth through customer engagement, market development, and the introduction of new assurance services.
• Maintain auditor competence and undertake IATF audits where required, up to a maximum of 60 audit days per year.

Do you have what it takes?

• Significant experience within the automotive industry, including automotive certification, assurance, or regulated services.
• Strong knowledge of IATF and TISAX requirements, governance, and operational delivery.
• Current or previous IATF Auditor competence, with the ability to maintain auditor status.
• Experience working with accreditation bodies, regulators, and industry stakeholders, including SMMT and UKAS.
• Strong leadership experience, including managing teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and locations.
• Experience of management system auditing, technical review, and competence management.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to use performance data to support growth and operational improvement.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within the UK and internationally.

What can you expect from us in return?

• Competitive Salary - salary details on request
• Company Car
• 35 hours per week - Monday to Friday, remote role, with travel to NQA’s Head Office in Dunstable and occasional travel across the UK and internationally
• 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.