Global Circularity and Sustainability Certification Manager

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

At SGS, we have an open corporate and international culture. We offer a dynamic work environment in a leading global company. Our high professional standards and our sustainability approach guarantee you a future-oriented work environment. We invest in our employees for the long term and are committed to supporting your development within the company. Our business principles include: Integrity, Health, Safety & Environment, Quality & Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.

The role sits within the Global Sustainability and Supply Chain Services that leads the innovation, development and maintenance of the key resources within the Circularity pillar to enable the adoption Circularity and Sustainability Certification products and, in line with the best-available knowledge and following best-practice for certification bodies.

The Global Circularity and Sustainability Certification Manager is a key pillar of the Global Sustainability strategy and responsible for the development and maintenance of Circularity products and guidance within the network. The manager acts as “products owner” for the key procedures and processes, including coordination across different affiliate and regional teams to ensure a successful development and growth.

The role reports to the Global ESG Assurance, Climate and Circularity Manager (CEO-3).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensure and lead the global management of Circularity and Sustainability Certification services (accredited or non-accredited), guaranteeing technical and commercial success across the affiliate network, while ensuring quality of service delivery, compliance with accreditation or scheme owner requirements, and alignment with business needs.
• Maintain or extend the scope of accreditations / apporovals in line with the Circularity and Sustainability Certification strategy and business needs.
• Work proactively with the BA Global Accreditation Manager and Global ESGACC Manager to maintain impartiality and prevent/resolve potential conflicts of interest when they arise.
• Ensure global internal and external KPIs are met, and that all relevant approvals and accreditations are maintained to safeguard the SGS business and reputation.
• Manage a team of Product Managers (currently 2, based in India) and acting as an Accreditation Manager for the key Social Certification schemes.
• Participate in the definition of product strategies, policies and internal systems for Circularity and Sustainability Certification services.
• Support the commercial strategy and provide guidance to affiliates to facilitate product growth globally.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to strengthen business growth strategy through the network.
• Represent SGS externally in relevant forums, including standardization committees and interprofessional working groups (e.g., IIOA, TIC Council, WBCSD, etc.) to maintain influence and visibility in the sustainability and circularity certification landscape.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical:

1. Maintain a constant accurate and up to date knowledge of the product regulatory and/or market evolution.
2. Act as the Technical Lead contact for the network of Affiliates and communicate effectively with ability to clearly convey key messages to executive stakeholders within the network and management, demonstrating pragmatism whilst maintaining the integrity of the scheme.
3. Support and provide subject matter expertise as needed.
4. Ensure compliance with all generic global technical documents and procedures as defined by the BA Global Operational Excellence Team.

Business:

1. In line with the segment strategy, provide commercial strategy and business plan for the growth of the products art global level and support affiliates with their strategies in key countries and regions.
2. In collaboration with the affiliates establish global and local pricing strategies.
3. In co-operation with the Global Marketing Services, develop and support the relevant specific marketing materials to support business growth.
4. Develop an intimate knowledge of customer and market needs by defining and overseeing the relevant market researches.
5. Develop an intimate knowledge of the competition by constantly overseeing competitive activities.
6. Support the sales, marketing, business development and account activities including sales visits, events/seminars and co-operation with the International Sales Managers and International Account Managers.
7. Actively participate in relevant scheme owner committees or working groups to ensure SGS maintains influence and exposure in the area.
8. Constantly ensure proper level of communication and interaction with other Global Product Managers to evaluate common business development and possible synergies.
9. For future development, be the Voice of the Customer and develop business requirements for new products and solutions; drive alignment of feature/function prioritization to maximize the value proposition

Operational:

1. Ensure overall responsibility for the successful management of the given products ensuring the global operation is efficient and meets the expectations of internal customers (Affiliates), external clients, scheme owners and accreditation bodies.
2. Lead cross functional teams to constantly enhance the product related operational processes to ensure optimal service delivery turnaround times.
3. Maintain full knowledge and understanding of SGS IT systems, procedures and external approval criteria to conduct audit report reviews and allow efficient management of technical review and certification decision process.
4. Develop relevant internal and external KPI and constantly monitor them to facilitate decision making and drive continuous improvement. Ensure global internal and external KPIs are met to safeguard the SGS business and brand reputation.
5. At all times, adopt a safe behavior by exercising due regard for the health and safety of SGS employees and clients, in line with SGS policies and procedures.
6. At all times, comply with SGS Code of Integrity and Professional Conduct.

Profile:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in Certification processes (for accredited or non-accredited schemes), Management systems and Performance assessments principles with a solid expertise in Social Certification schemes (notably SA8000 or alternatively FSSC 24000).
• Strong understanding of Circularity and Circular economy concepts; good knowledge of existing Circularity certifications and schemes developed for the Plastic and Packaging industries, for Construction sector, for the Textile or Automotive industries.
• Minimum 5 years in certification roles within a Certification / Accredited body or a sustainability-focused organization (ideally in a similar role for a TIC industry player) or alternatively,
• Minimum 3 years in a technical role at industry level, involved in circularity processes and for example, in supporting Circular economy transitions in the plastics or packaging industry.
• University degree in a relevant technical subject (environmental science, engineering, sustainability).
• Fluent in English is a must

Required Skills:

• Excellent technical certification competency (associated with a good understanding of accreditation requirements); a relative knowledge of Circularity schemes used at indsutrial level (Recyclass, PPRS, Operation Clean Sweep, etc) is a plus.
• Imperative knowledge of ISCC certifications processes.
• Strong organizational skills and capacity to adapt.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a mostly virtual environment.
• Results oriented, ability to handle multiple tasks and work in a culturally and geographically diverse and constantly evolving organizational culture.
• Ability to communicate effectively both internally (at all levels within the company including senior management, technical and commercial teams) and externally (representing SGS expertise).
• Good people management skills, notably in an international environment (remote team management).
• Complete integrity and understanding of the need for risk management of SGS activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Customer focus.
• Thinks Strategically
• Influences Internally & Externally
• Collaborates Effectively

• SGS ambition is to become the TIC Industry world leader
• The position is fully remote (but can be office based).
• Preferred location: Europe or India. The incumbent must possess a valid work permit for the given country.
• Flexibility to travel (short and long distance) up to 25%.

Why SGS?

• Global and very stable company, world leader in the TIC (Testing, Inspection and Certification) industry.
• Flexible schedule and hybrid model.
• SGS university and Campus for continuos learning options.
• Multinational environment where you will work with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefits platform.

Join Us: At SGS we believe in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  We offer a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and personal development.