Technical Manager, RSPO - SCS Global Services

Company Overview
Since 1984, SCS Global Services has been a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. Partnering with companies, government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, we are striving to advance sustainable development goals through independent assessment, the application of sound science, and innovative solutions. Through these services, we are enabling decision-makers and purchasers to make informed decisions, giving innovators a competitive edge, and helping to drive the development of leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.

Job Overview
The Technical Manager, RSPO focusing on Principles and Criteria (P&C) is responsible for managing the quality and technical rigor of the program's daily operations and for managing technical staff. Responsibilities in this position include issuing final certification decisions, noncompliance and adverse action management, carrying out investigations, performing audits, and handling escalations from team members and/or clients. In addition, the Technical Manager supports in the development of program documentation and is responsible for ensuring conformance with program accreditation requirements and the corporate quality system.

Relevant Standards/Schemes

• EUDR
• RSPO Certification Systems (2020)
• RSPO Independent Smallholder Standard (2020)
• RSPO Labour Auditing Guidance (2022)
• RSPO Principles & Criteria
• RSPO Supply Chain Certification
• Rules Market Communication & Claims (2022)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Oversight

• Establish staff and contractor qualifications and ensure ongoing compliance with auditor requirements
• Lead or support program meetings, calibration activities, and trainings
• Manage technical staff and support in review of complex issues and ensure consistency of interpretation among staff and contractors
• Develop and submit comments on normative standards or other documents

Program Operations

• Responsible for recruitment and hiring of staff or contractors to ensure sufficient operational capacity
• Evaluate and calibrate staff and contractor performance and provide feedback
• Support/provide initial and ongoing training for technical program staff
• Delegate audit assignments and internal responsibilities of auditing team
• Support Program Manager with other initiatives as needed

Compliance Management

• Maintain ongoing and thorough understanding of relevant RSPO standards, guidance documents and accreditation requirements
• Support Program Manager in external program compliance and nonconformity resolution
• Handle program complaints and investigations
• Manage client adverse actions, appeals, mediation, and compliance review
• Ensure program procedures and documents comply with accreditation standards

Auditing

• Conduct audits and/or site inspections as needed in relevant scopes/schemes using appropriate checklists, forms, and tools
• Maintain positive client relationships and respond to client inquiries and concerns
• Conduct final technical reviews and issue certification decisions where secondary approval is required

Program Quality and Development

• Develop and implement procedures to increase quality and efficiency of audit and certification services
• Develop work instructions, internal guidance, and staff training materials
• Lead internal and external audit process and ensure findings issued to the program are resolved
• Develop and maintain program procedures and documents in compliance with quality system guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field and
• 10+ years of experience in RSPO certification and
• 5+ years in a technical capacity working in RSPO certification and familiarity with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001, and/or ISO 45001 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards and
• 2+ years of experience in Program Management, Technical Management, Lead Evaluator, or similar
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Formal training and advanced understanding of RSPO certification standards including Lead Auditor qualification for RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) and RSPO Supply Chain
• Excellent technical writing, observation, and data management skills
• Strong communication skills with demonstrated abilities in critical analysis
• Fluency in English and Spanish with experience that involves professional and technical verbal and written communication
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Initiative and ability to work independently, responsive and adaptive to team environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skills in Excel, and other relevant software

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned.

Working Remotely
SCS is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce. This is a home-office based role and may include travel with local, domestic, and/or international trips. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process.

Estimated Annual Salary
$61,102.08 - $83,017.87

EEOC Statement
SCS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.