Chain of Custody (CoC) Regional Manager - Western Europe and Americas

About SGS

SGS is recognized worldwide as a leader in testing, inspection, and certification, with a workforce of 99,600 employees across 2,600 locations globally. We pride ourselves on sustainability, quality, and integrity. Our corporate culture is global and open, offering a dynamic workplace with a focus on employee growth and long-term career support, rooted in principles such as Integrity, Health & Safety, Quality, Professionalism, Respect, Sustainability, and Leadership.

Position Summary

The Chain of Custody (CoC) Regional Manager for Western Europe and Americas oversees quality assurance for audits and provides technical support to affiliated offices. This role ensures compliance with accreditation standards and drives the development of timber and paper certification businesses primarily focusing on FSC and PEFC certifications and timber due diligence services.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote the growth of timber and paper certification services within designated regions (Western Europe and Americas).
• Maintain consistent communication with the Global Forestry Team to explore business development opportunities.
• Assist the Global Technical Manager in updating COC procedures to integrate accreditation standards and ensure clarity for affiliates and auditors.
• Deliver timely technical support and information to SGS affiliates.
• Coordinate and conduct technical reviews of COC audit reports ensuring alignment with accreditation and certification decision criteria.
• Perform Technical Internal Office Audits (Level 2) according to the global plan.
• Maintain and update the FSC Database accurately.
• Implement quality management practices and monitor affiliate performance using KPIs.
• Manage the FSC Trademark approval process in coordination with authorized trademark officers.
• Ensure maintenance of all necessary accreditation records.
• Participate in accreditation body audits and address corrective actions in collaboration with the Accreditation Manager.
• Follow up on complaints and appeals as directed by the Accreditation Manager.
• Develop and maintain training programs for COC auditors, including initial and refresher training, in cooperation with the Training Manager.
• Support the Global Training Manager through auditing and training activities, acting as a Tutor for Lead Auditor Trainings.
• Advise affiliates on auditor recruitment, training, and registration processes, and prepare New Auditor Application Packages.
• Conduct Level 1 audits of COC auditors when necessary.
• Adhere strictly to SGS quality and safety management systems.
• Deliver training sessions and conduct FSC audits as assigned.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the direct line manager.

Specific Authorities

• Stop use of unsafe equipment or work in hazardous conditions and notify higher management for corrective action.
• Halt quality-compromising activities and report them accordingly.
• Initiate formal improvement requests upon noticing deviations, nonconformities, or opportunities for enhancement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary education in Forest Management or Timber Engineering, or equivalent professional training with relevant work experience.
• Certification as a Forestry Chain of Custody Lead Auditor Trainer.
• Mandatory FSC CoC Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience in timber and/or paper industries.
• Demonstrated audit and commercial experience including proposal development.
• Proven leadership skills capable of driving change effectively.
• Strong analytical, decisive, adaptable, ethical, and commercially aware problem-solving capabilities.
• Customer-focused and excellent communication skills (verbal and written English), with the ability to effectively engage senior government officials and senior organizational management.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Computer proficiency.
• Additional local language skills besides English are advantageous.

Additional Information

• Work for a globally stable leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification industries.
• Flexible working hours with hybrid and remote working options.
• Access to SGS University and continuous learning programs.
• Work in a multinational environment with diverse colleagues.
• Avail of a comprehensive benefits platform.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV in English.