Quality & Programme Assurance Manager

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is the UK's Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. Working in partnership with the research community, policy makers, industry and society, CEH undertakes cutting edge research to deliver world class solutions to the most complex environmental challenges facing humankind. CEH has an annual turnover of £35 million and employs staff across four sites; the headquarters is at Wallingford with further sites at Bangor, Edinburgh and Lancaster.

About the role

To manage CEH's Quality Management System and working with operating staff and researchers, improve existing procedures and, identify and champion new procedures, to derive increased partner and customer satisfaction, and science excellence.

Main Duties:

• maintain and execute an internal quality audit schedule
• coordinate and support the CEH internal auditor network
• carry out internal audits as and when required
• arrange expert external audit and maintain current ISO 9001:2015 certification, and support the CEH lead for analytical chemistry laboratory accreditation to ISO 17025
• investigate partner and customer complaints regarding quality matters.
• identify training needs and organise training interventions to meet CEH’s Quality Policy
• propose CEH’s annual Quality Objectives and provide Quality Management Reviews to CEH's Executive Board
• support substantive tenders submissions where specific quality management procedural design is required. 

About You

• a good degree (at least 2:1) or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject.
• a professional qualification and continual professional development as a Quality Assurance Manager, including lead auditor for ISO 9001
• proven ability of operating as a Quality Manager within a project-based environment
• delivering and operating management systems that facilitate organisational certification to ISO 9001, preferably ISO 9001:2015
• excellent multi-disciplinary team working and influencing skills to achieve successful quality outcomes
• you will have knowledge of applying business process improvement tools and techniques
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• able to undertake regular travel
• ideally a full driving license although the role could be delivered using public transport.

What we offer

NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment. NERC has an equal opportunities policy and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under represented and their applications are particularly welcomed. Guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities.

Eligibility to apply

To work for CEH, you must be eligible to live and work in the UK without the requirement for a work permit. CEH can only apply for a work permit in cases where there are no suitably qualified or experienced resident workers; otherwise applicants should normally be resident in the UK or a national of the European Union.  Please do not apply if you require a visa to work in the UK.

Applications are handled by the UK Shared Business Services; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc242434_7488.aspx  please ensure that you complete an application form as CVs will not be accepted as a standalone.

Closing date: Sunday 1^st October 2017

Interview date: Tuesday 17^th October 2017