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 100,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.
SGS’s C&P (Consumer and Products) services help businesses ensure product safety, quality, and compliance through testing, inspection, certification, and auditing—covering everything from manufacturing to distribution across various consumer goods sectors.
Job DescriptionJob Title: External Quality Auditor - QAN/QAR / Hazardous Area
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Home based (with international travel)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Competitive + car allowance + benefits
Industry: Testing, Inspection & Certification
Overview of the Role:
We are seeking an experienced External Quality Lead Auditor to deliver QAN/QAR and related audits across the UK 30% and internationally 70%. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting clients in maintaining high-quality, safe operations. You will contribute to strengthening SGS’s reputation for excellence through robust audit delivery and customer focus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and conduct external audits for manufacturing auditing systems, in line with BS EN IEC 80079-34 and other relevant schemes (CCC, Korean, North American, etc.)
- Evaluate compliance against documented processes and identify nonconformities, risks and improvement opportunities
- Produce clear, accurate audit reports and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions
- Maintain audit schedules, records, and documentation in line with accreditation requirements
- Champion a strong customer service and quality culture while ensuring compliance with SGS policies and integrity standards
The ideal candidate for this role is someone who has experience in:
Delivering third-party audits within engineering or hazardous area environments, with a strong understanding of quality management systems and compliance standards.
You will also have the following:
- Proven experience as a Lead Auditor (minimum 2 years)
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and audit principles, techniques, and practices
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills
- High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to manage multiple audits effectively
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (UK and internationally)
Desirable:
- Knowledge of EN ISO/IEC 80079-34 and hazardous area standards (IEC 60079 series)
- Experience within ATEX, UKEx or IECEx environments
- Engineering background with relevant industry exposure
- Higher qualification (e.g. MSc, MBA) or professional membership
At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:
Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
Private medical cover (immediate access)
Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
An additional day off for your birthday
Retailer Discounts
Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
Length of Service Awards
Christmas Vouchers
Health & Wellbeing initiatives
Discounted Gym Membership
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
APPLY NOW for full consideration, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly.
Skills Required
- Proven experience as a Lead Auditor (minimum 2 years)
- Experience delivering third-party audits within engineering or hazardous area environments
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and audit principles, techniques, and practices
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills
- High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to manage multiple audits effectively
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively (UK and internationally)
- Knowledge of EN ISO/IEC 80079-34 and hazardous area standards (IEC 60079 series)
- Experience within ATEX, UKEx or IECEx environments
- Engineering background with relevant industry exposure
- Higher qualification (e.g., MSc, MBA) or professional membership
SGS Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SGS and has not been reviewed or approved by SGS.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage is part of the U.S. package and is generally viewed as adequate even if not standout. Company information also underscores healthcare coverage as a standard element of the offering.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) is commonly included in the U.S., and group disclosures reference post‑employment benefit plans in select regions. These components provide a baseline of retirement security beyond core pay.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual incentive/bonus structures are part of the compensation mix and cited positively in some regions and roles. Punctual pay is also highlighted as a plus.
SGS Insights
What We Do
SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection, and Certification company, providing quality and safety control services.
