Our client is Ireland’s premier organic certification organisation. They were established to ensure that a robust system of inspection and certification prevailed so that consumers could fully rely on the integrity of organic food bearing their logo.
Have you knowledge of and enthusiasm for organic agriculture, horticulture and food processing gained from practical and academic experience with detailed knowledge of relevant Irish and EU Organic Regulations and Standards?
We are recruiting for an experienced Certification Manager to join their growing Kildare-based team. The Certification Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation system. They will oversee and monitor operating systems, policies and procedures relevant to this role, ensuring they are followed and executed in an effective manner. The Certification Manager is responsible for the recruitment, induction and line management of all the Company’s Certification Inspectors and is responsible for continual improvement and development of the Certification Programmes.
Key Responsibilities:
Inspectorate Oversight and Management
- Oversee the work of the Companies Inspectorate. Provide leadership, mentoring,
- coordination and coaching to the team(s), ensuring the team are resourced appropriately, that they are trained, and enable them to achieve the goals within their areas of responsibility.
- Manage the recruitment and selection process of new inspectors as required.
- Carry out annual work reviews for all inspectorate staff, providing feedback and support.
- Allocate work to the Company’s Inspectors as appropriate to their job descriptions,
- workload and skillsets including: Inspections to appropriate inspectors (following precise procedures and INAB/ DAFM requirements),Working with the CO’s, Inspection reports to the Certification Panel, Sampling Schedules, System/process development projects as and where appropriate.
- Representation on webinars or Farm walks.
- Organise/monitor witnessed inspections for all inspectors annually.
- Provide and/or organise training for all inspectors and members of the Certification Panel as appropriate to help them succeed in their roles.
- Manage and oversee meetings and communications amongst the Inspectors.
- Be the key point of contact for non-compliance/ infringement queries and assist/support the inspectors in the decision process.
- Serve as a resource for staff, contractors, operators, and management regarding technical standards and complex certification issues and questions.
- Ensure DAFM and INAB witnessed inspections are sufficiently prepared for.
Certification Panel Management
- Formulate and propose direction and strategy for the Certification Panel.
- Working with the Certification Officers (CO’s) Prepare for and Coordinate all Certification
Panel meetings as appropriate.
- Along with the CO’s, review certification/OFS applications, inspection reports, and
- supporting documentation and determine compliance status.
- Coordinate and manage the delivery of all certification correspondence and documents to the Certification Panel, inspectors, new applicants, and renewing certified members,
including but not limited to information packs/applications, annual update paperwork, and initial review, certification, and inspection reports.
Collaborations and reporting
• Participate in key Departmental meetings.
• Maintain good working relationships with other Organic certification bodies, DAFM and other key affiliates.
• Participate in the Organic Policy Forums as required.
• Along with the QM, ensure that all reporting obligations to DAFM or INAB are accurate and within agreed timescales.
• Respond to DAFM or INAB consultations and requests for information as appropriate.
• Ensure that any corrective action is carried out and submitted to the appropriate body
within agreed timescales.
• Contribute to the development of EU Organic Standards in liaison with DAFM, DEFRA.
Operations.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the business and ensure that the operating
procedures are implemented correctly.
• Assist with the creation and development of organisational and internal policies, procedures,
and guidance documents.
• Participate in annual internal audits in collaboration with the OT quality manager and carry out corrective action within agreed timescales.
• Along with the QM, review and revise operating procedures as set out in the quality manual and procedures manual.
• Assist in developing the business by growing the number of licensees.
• Engage with prospective and existing members to enhance customer service and increase renewal of service.
• Develop and drive initiatives to attract and retain members in collaboration with the CEO.
• Track new applications to ensure a timely response.
• Ensure outstanding customer service and a successful experience throughout a prospective members certification journey.
• Ensure that complaints are dealt with effectively in line with our complaint’s procedure.
• Co-ordinate farm walks, webinars, workshops and events for OT members.
• Participate in database development and implementation as required.
• Prepare annual operating and project budgets for the inspectors and Certification Panel.
• Monitor approved budgets and take appropriate action if finances are not in line with the budget.
• Authorise expenses for relevant staff in line with budgets.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Quality manager in the development of educational materials and resources for both members and staff.
• Other duties including project participation that may arise as assigned by the CEO.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Knowledge of and enthusiasm for organic agriculture, horticulture and food processing gained from practical and academic experience is expected.
A minimum 5 year prior experience in a relevant management position is essential.
A detailed knowledge of relevant Irish and EU Organic Regulations and Standards is required.
• A minimum level 8 agriculture/ food science degree or equivalent is required.
• IT skills, including use of Office 365, and experience of databases (ideally Filemaker Pro) are required.
• Financial skills required to formulate and oversee the budgets of the OT inspectors and CP is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• The ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Willingness to travel within Ireland.
