ISO LEAD AUDITOR CONSULTANT

We are seeking a highly competent, experienced and client-focused ISO Lead Auditor Consultant to join and grow our expanding ISO and Management Systems division.

This is a senior client-facing role responsible for assisting organisations across various industries with the assessment, development, implementation, auditing and continual improvement of ISO Management Systems.

The successful candidate will work directly with clients to understand their operations, conduct ISO gap assessments and audits, identify areas of non-compliance, develop practical recommendations and assist clients in preparing their businesses for ISO certification, surveillance and recertification audits.

The role requires a professional who can combine strong technical ISO knowledge with excellent consulting and client relationship skills. The successful candidate must be capable of interpreting ISO standards and translating complex requirements into practical, commercially relevant and workable solutions for clients.

The ISO Lead Auditor Consultant will be expected to manage multiple client projects simultaneously, conduct audits at client premises where required, prepare professional reports and documentation, guide clients through corrective actions and implementation requirements and ensure that each project is delivered to a high professional standard.

The primary focus will initially be on ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems, with the opportunity to expand services across additional ISO standards, including:

• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
• ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems
• ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems
• Other applicable ISO and industry-specific management system standards

Duties & Responsibilities

Client ISO Consulting and Advisory Services

• Provide professional ISO and Management Systems consulting services to external clients.
• Meet with clients to understand their business, operations, processes, objectives and certification requirements.
• Assess the client's current systems, policies, procedures and operational practices against applicable ISO standards.
• Interpret ISO requirements and provide practical guidance relevant to the client's business environment.
• Develop clear implementation plans and roadmaps for clients seeking ISO certification.
• Advise clients on management system requirements, controls and continual improvement opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients.
• Manage client expectations, project timelines and agreed deliverables.
• Conduct client meetings, workshops and ISO awareness sessions where required.

2. ISO Gap Assessments

• Conduct comprehensive ISO gap assessments at client sites or remotely where appropriate.
• Review existing policies, procedures, processes and supporting documentation.
• Interview management and employees to understand existing operational practices.
• Identify gaps between the client's current systems and applicable ISO requirements.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls and processes.
• Identify areas of non-compliance and potential certification risks.
• Prepare detailed Gap Assessment Reports.
• Provide clients with prioritised and practical recommendations.
• Develop action plans and implementation roadmaps to address identified gaps.

3. External Client Audits

• Plan, prepare and conduct ISO audits for external clients.
• Develop audit programmes and audit plans.
• Prepare audit checklists based on applicable ISO standards and the client's business processes.
• Conduct opening and closing meetings.
• Interview employees and management.
• Review documented information and operational evidence.
• Evaluate whether management systems are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Gather sufficient objective evidence to support audit findings.
• Identify and document:
• Non-conformities
• Observations
• Opportunities for Improvement
• Areas of risk
• Conduct audits objectively, professionally and consistently.
• Prepare detailed and professional audit reports.
• Present findings and recommendations to client management.

4. ISO Management System Development and Implementation

• Assist clients with the development and implementation of ISO-compliant Management Systems.
• Develop and customise ISO documentation relevant to the client's business.
• Assist with the development of:
• ISO Policies
• Procedures
• Process Documents
• Work Instructions
• Registers
• Risk Assessments
• Objectives and KPIs
• Corrective Action Processes
• Document Control Systems
• Internal Audit Programmes
• Management Review Documentation
• Ensure that documentation is practical, relevant and capable of being implemented by the client.
• Avoid a "one-size-fits-all" approach and tailor systems to each client's operations.

5. Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions

• Identify and clearly document audit findings.
• Explain findings and ISO requirements to clients professionally.
• Assist clients in understanding the root cause of identified non-conformities.
• Facilitate root-cause analysis where required.
• Assist with the development of corrective action plans.
• Monitor implementation of corrective actions where included in the client engagement.
• Conduct follow-up assessments or audits to verify whether actions have been effectively implemented.
• Identify recurring or systemic issues and recommend long-term improvements.

6. Client Certification Readiness

• Prepare clients for independent certification audits.
• Conduct certification-readiness assessments.
• Ensure that required documentation and records are available and appropriately maintained.
• Assist clients in preparing employees and management for certification audits.
• Conduct mock audits and pre-certification assessments where appropriate.
• Identify and address high-risk gaps before the client's external certification audit.
• Assist clients with responding to findings raised by an independent certification body, where this does not create a conflict with applicable independence or impartiality requirements.

7. Project Management

• Manage multiple ISO client projects simultaneously.
• Develop and maintain project plans and implementation schedules.
• Monitor deadlines and agreed client deliverables.
• Ensure projects remain on track.
• Communicate project progress to clients and internal management.
• Identify risks that may affect project completion or certification readiness.
• Escalate significant project risks or client concerns to management.
• Maintain accurate client records and project documentation.

8. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare professional and technically accurate:
• Audit Reports
• Gap Assessment Reports
• Implementation Plans
• Action Plans
• Corrective Action Reports
• Client Progress Reports
• Certification Readiness Reports
• Maintain accurate and secure client records.
• Ensure audit evidence and documentation are appropriately recorded.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all client information.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the company's ISO consulting methodologies, templates and audit tools.

9. Business Development and Service Growth

• Support the growth of the ISO and Management Systems division.
• Identify additional ISO services relevant to existing clients.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for additional standards or services.
• Participate in client presentations and technical discussions where required.
• Provide technical input into client proposals and quotations.
• Keep abreast of changes to ISO standards and developments within the ISO certification industry.
• Contribute ideas for improving and expanding the company's ISO service offering.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Formal ISO Auditor training.
• **ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor qualification – essential