Head of Certifications

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Control Union Inspections (Pvt.) Ltd. at Melbourne, Australia for HEAD of CERTIFCATIONS.

As a Head of Certifications, you will be responsible to lead a high‑performing team across agricultural, animal welfare and textile standards.

Are you an experienced certification leader with a passion for building strong teams, improving systems, and driving sustainable growth? Do you thrive in environments where you can create structure, empower people, and elevate the quality and consistency of certification services? If you’re ready to lead a diverse team across Australia and New Zealand and shape the future of our certification department, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact!

We are seeking a Certification Manager to lead our certification department of 10 auditors and coordinators across agricultural, animal welfare, and textile standards. This newly created role is central to building the structures, processes, and culture needed to support a growing portfolio of accredited certification schemes, including RWS, ISCC, GOTS, regenagri, BCI, and others.

You will oversee the delivery of high‑quality auditing and certification services, ensure operational excellence, and drive continuous improvement. A key part of the role is empowering your team setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and supporting their development so they can perform at their best.

You will also play a strategic role in shaping the future of the department, identifying opportunities for sustainable growth, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring our certification services remain robust, compliant, and market‑leading.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of auditors and certification professionals across ANZ.
• Build and implement effective structures, processes, and workflows to support consistent, high‑quality certification delivery.
• Oversee accredited schemes including RWS, ISCC, GOTS, regenagri, BCI and others.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, and client experience.
• Support business development by identifying new schemes, emerging opportunities, and areas for sustainable growth.
• Strengthen relationships with clients, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure the team is trained, supported, and empowered to deliver high‑quality work.
• Maintain accreditation requirements and support external assessments.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and technical oversight across agricultural, animal welfare, and textile certification programs.

Requirements

• Strong experience in certification, auditing, or conformity assessment, ideally within agriculture, sustainability, or textile supply chains.
• Knowledge of key schemes such as RWS, ISCC, GOTS, regenagri, BCI (or similar).
• Strong understanding of accredited certification standards essential (ISO 17021, ISO 17065, ISO 9001). Completed the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course highly regarded.
• Proven leadership experience — able to build structure, delegate effectively, and empower teams.
• Skilled in developing processes, improving systems, and driving operational excellence.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with clients, auditors, and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on involvement when needed.
• Experience in business development or expanding certification portfolios is highly regarded.
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset with a commitment to quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Graduate/ post-graduate degree in related field e.g. Agricultural Engineering, Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Orientated Process, Renewable Energies, or equivalent disciplines.
• Able to demonstrate a high level of competence in Microsoft Packages, excellent MS Word, and Excel skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and overseas.
• Ideally holds a valid Australian working visa – open to discussion if not based on experience level and eligibility for visa application
• Holds a valid driving license or ability to obtain Australian driving license.

Our Company

Control Union is a global leader in certification, inspection, and auditing services across diverse industries, including agriculture, textiles, and sustainability. Our expertise lies in verifying compliance with international standards such as organic farming, fair trade, and environmental stewardship. With a global network of offices, we offer customized solutions to help companies meet regulatory requirements and market demands. Our services enable businesses to achieve transparency, traceability, and sustainability in their supply chains, enhancing market credibility and ensuring responsible operations in an increasingly regulated global market. 

Control Union has been helping to build a better world for several decades. From our roots in agriculture, the global business has since grown to become a global trustworthy partner for testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), providing a comprehensive range of quality services to clients in more than 80 countries. Our deep expertise spans the entire supply chain across a wide range of industries.

Control Union operates under the globally recognised Royal Peterson Control Union group. Still family‑owned today, trust remains our core value. We take pride in our stakeholder focus, work with integrity, and are purpose‑driven — offering long‑term, sustainable, and innovative solutions across global value chains.

Join Our Family – Why Control Union Australia

By joining Control Union Australia, you will play a vital role in advancing sustainable practices that protect the environment, support ethical supply chains, and promote social responsibility. Your leadership will directly contribute to strengthening certification systems, improving supply chain integrity, and supporting resilient communities.

You will enjoy:

• Contributing to building a better world through quality assurance.
• Working with a global company with a strong local presence.
• A permanent, full‑time position with competitive salary.
• Annual Celebration Day Leave.
• Opportunities to take ownership, innovate, and grow your career.
• An energetic, purpose‑driven team committed to sustainability and collaboration.
• An inclusive and supportive workplace culture with excellent wellbeing and professional development benefits (EAP, Reward & Recognition platform, wellbeing initiatives).

Disclaimer: Please do not expect our team to respond if you do not meet the specified requirements.