National Operations Manager (Audit & Certifications)

Company Description

SGS Australia is a leading provider of Testing, Inspection, and Certification services, supporting multiple industries across the country with trusted expertise and technical excellence. Backed by SGS’s global legacy of over 140 years, we operate one of the largest networks of accredited laboratories and field facilities in Australia, with a network of more than 50 offices and laboratories and over 1,600 employees across Australia. We are accredited by NATA and ISO 9001, ensuring our services meet both Australian and international standards.

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced National Operations Manager to lead our audit and certification operations across Australia. This influential leadership role will oversee national delivery, strengthen operational performance and ensure our services continue to meet the highest standards of safety, quality and accreditation compliance.

You will lead and develop geographically dispersed teams, optimise auditor capability and utilisation, and work closely with senior stakeholders to support sustainable business growth. The role may be based in Sydney or Melbourne, and applications are welcomed from candidates in either location.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide national leadership across audit and certification operations, ensuring safe, compliant and consistently high-quality service delivery.
• Lead, coach and support audit teams to achieve scheduling, utilisation, productivity and quality targets.
• Maintain compliance with JASANZ accreditation requirements and all relevant program obligations.
• Monitor operational performance through meaningful KPIs, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee workforce planning, auditor capability, training requirements and skills matrix management.
• Partner with the Business Manager on strategic planning, cost control, P&L performance and growth opportunities.
• Build trusted relationships with customers, internal teams and key stakeholders, providing effective escalation support when required.
• Champion a culture of safety, integrity, accountability, professionalism and service excellence.

Qualifications

About You

You are a strategic and confident people leader who combines operational discipline with strong commercial awareness and a genuine customer focus. You understand the complexities of audit and certification environments and can bring teams together to deliver consistent outcomes across a national operation.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience leading operational teams within audit, certification, compliance, quality or a related professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of certified management systems, audit operations, applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial performance, operational KPIs, resource planning and business improvement initiatives.
• Well-developed leadership, communication, stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• A commercial and customer-focused mindset, with the judgement to balance quality, compliance and business priorities.
• Strong organisational and analytical capability, including confidence using Microsoft Office and business reporting tools.
• Experience in food safety or other certified management systems auditing will be highly regarded.

Why Join SGS?

Join a respected global organisation recognised for technical excellence, integrity and service quality. At SGS, you will have the opportunity to shape national operations, influence business performance and lead teams whose work helps create a safer, better and more interconnected world.

We offer a collaborative and supportive environment, opportunities to grow your leadership and technical expertise, and the scope to make a meaningful impact across our Australian business. SGS values diversity, inclusion and respect, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to lead at a national level?
If you are motivated by operational excellence, strong team leadership and the opportunity to shape the future of audit and certification services, we would like to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your career with SGS.

Additional Information

WHY WORK FOR SGS?

Working at SGS means joining an innovative, Global company. Here are some of the benefits to working for SGS. 

•    As a company, we have embraced the shift to flexible work
•    Sustainability is embedded in our culture and the way we do business
•    Paid parental leave
•    Paid time for volunteering day and blood donations
•    Corporate health & wellbeing offers
•    Ongoing learning & development 
•    Career development opportunities (Nationally and Globally)
•    SGS Rewards: Our employee benefits platform with access to retail and online discounts and cashback

COME TO WORK AND BE 100% YOU
SGS Australia supports a diverse workforce, we encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTQI+ community and people living with disability. Providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an important part of our SGS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We truly believe the diversity among us will continue to foster a strong, innovative, and forward-thinking workplace.

SGS Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.