Certification manager

There are various roles within the process of certification beyond that of the assessor who goes down the farm drive. A certification manager is one of these roles.

As a certification manager, you will play a crucial part in ensuring that the certification process is carried out with accuracy and scheme members meet compliance within the required standards. It is your job to complete the jigsaw of evidence and you will work across various stages of the certification cycle, from reviewing assessment reports to liaising with assessors, members and scheme owners. You will need to ensure the whole process it consistent and transparent for all stakeholders. You will sometimes have to request more evidence from assessors to ensure compliances or non-compliances are correctly recorded to complete a certification.

This is a mainly office-based role with some visits to farm sites and you are likely to specialise in one type of farming sector, such as dairy, production horticulture or poultry. Certification managers say they enjoy finding out about different farms, farmers and processes on those farms. 

All certification roles require strong problem-solving skills, effective communication and technical farming knowledge. This ensures you can work out any extra evidence which might be needed to complete a certification, work effectively with the assessors who report to you and understand what the farm being reported on is working to achieve.

In terms of the office-based activities, most certification managers will need to operate an integrated system of apps, portals and databases that upload and record all the information needed to award certification to members.

You may be self-employed for this role or permanently working for one organisation. Some certification bodies will advertise roles while others respond well to speculative applications from well-suited individuals.

This role allows you to work with organisations whose aims include raising the standards of animal welfare, food quality and environment conservation and this is what draws many people to roles in this area.

There are several assurance organisations working in farming and growing in the UK, including: Red Tractor, RSPCA Assured, The Soil Association, LEAF, Organic Farmers and Growers, Global G.A.P and Quality Meat Scotland.

• Reviewing incoming audit reports submitted by assessors, including:
  • Assessing report content for accuracy and completeness
  • Evaluating non-conformances raised at the assessment
  • Identifying any changes required to member records to ensure up to date information is held in accordance with protocol
• Cross-checking and verifying information against existing certification body records to ensure accuracy
• Liaising with assessors to provide feedback or request clarification where necessary
• Assessing evidence submitted by members to address non-conformances; request additional evidence if initial submissions are insufficient
• Communicating directly with members to resolve any outstanding evidence requirements or compliance issues
• Raising and escalating issues or complaints to scheme owners
• Using a variety of technology platforms and reporting tools to manage the certification processes effectively
• Balancing the needs of many simultaneous cases to ensure all certification work proceeds according to published timelines
• Providing technical support to scheme members and answering scheme specific queries

• Able to communicate and engage with all individuals in the supply chain in a confident and patient manner
• Enthusiastic and energetic, with a keen eye for detail 
• Passionate about ensuring standards are being maintained
• Able to manage conflict and difficult situations
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective at time management 
• Flexible in your approach
• Independent and self-motivated
• Able to make difficult decisions, approaching them in a fair and logical way

As a certification manager, you will:

• Review incoming audit reports to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Manage and oversee the day-to-day management of scheme memberships and support members with queries
• Establish and maintain effective communication with key team members, including audit delivery and client teams
• Have an interest in agriculture and/or horticulture 
• Have technical and practical knowledge of the specific agriculture sector you are working in 
• Be able to make difficult decisions
• Have general IT skills

Additionally, it is helpful, although not always necessary to hold a valid UK driver’s licence.

The role of certifier and technical scheme manager tend to be employed roles, while the reviewer role is often offered as a self-employed role.

This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.

Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.

It could also unlock opportunities across the food supply chain such as fieldperson roles or non-governmental agencies.

• NVQ Level 3 or higher in an agriculture-related subject
• Industry-led training requirements
• Scheme-specific training via online academy 
• Continuing professional development training in relation to standard changes/industry needs
• Management and leadership training if in a technical role 

TIAH Essential Skills

Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.

Anyone considering working as a certification manager in the livestock sector would find our Animal Health and Welfare, Biosecurity and Foundations in Farm Safety courses useful.