Certification and Compliance Specialist

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Certification and Compliance Specialist  is responsible for overseeing the certification process for products, services, and systems within an organization to ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and certifications. This role involves managing the entire certification lifecycle, from initiation and preparation to submission, renewal, and post-certification audits. The Certification and Compliance Specialist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that certification requirements are met and maintained to uphold the company’s reputation and compliance standing in the marketplace.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Certification

• Manage the process for maintaining Forestry Chain of Custody certifications (FSC, SFI, and PEFC)
• Manage the process of obtaining and incorporating new Chain of Custody certification into the process.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external bodies to prepare and submit certification applications, ensuring that all required documentation and evidence are provided.
• Track the status of all certifications, ensuring they are up to date and in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to employees on certification requirements, standards, and best practices. Ensure that staff is knowledgeable about the importance of certifications and how to maintain compliance.
• Promote awareness of certification requirements across the organization, emphasizing their importance for business growth, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and recommend improvements in certification processes, workflows, and documentation to streamline and improve efficiency.
• Coordinate with external auditors and consultants during certification audits and assessments, ensuring their requirements are met and facilitating smooth audit processes.
• Establish and maintain relationships with certification bodies, ensuring clear communication regarding certification requirements, deadlines, and any non-compliance issues.

Customer Compliance

• Collaborate with customer-facing teams (e.g., sales, customer service) to understand and document customer compliance requirements for products and services.
• Develop and maintain documentation, such as compliance certificates, regulatory filings, product data sheets, and other documents to meet customer compliance needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding certification and compliance inquiries, providing support and guidance on product certifications, quality standards, and regulatory matters.
• Review customer contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with agreed-upon regulatory requirements, certifications, and product specifications.
• Manage customer testing program.
• Provide support to customer service and sales teams by educating them on certification processes and customer compliance expectations, enabling them to handle customer queries effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Honesty/Integrity – Honest, fair, consistent, model of high ethical standards. Makes appropriate decisions even in the face of an adverse audience.  Makes decisions based upon facts, not based upon what is easy or what is expected.
• Customer Service – Understands who the customers are, both internally and externally, and strives to deliver high-quality products.
• Strategic Thinking – Plans and prioritizes in a manner consistent with long-term interests of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities.
• Influencing/Negotiating – Able to work with others, getting others to accomplish needed tasks, utilizing their abilities.  Persuades others and builds consensus for decisions or actions.
• Written Communication – Clear, concise written communications. Recognizes audience and communicates in an appropriate manner.
• Conflict Management – Utilizes appropriate data to resolve conflicts. Deals with conflicts constructively.
• Leadership – empowers team, promotes collaboration, encourages & builds up others, wants and seeks differing views to bring vision, always learning.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability or related field.
• A Master’s degree or additional certifications in sustainability, product stewardship, ISO or Forestry Lead Auditor is a plus.

• Skills

• Strong Computer skills in MS Word and Excel; with ability to create advanced spreadsheets.
• Database development and use of BI tools preferred

• Strong organization skills
• Strong project management skills

• Sound working knowledge of SAP is strongly desired.
• Understanding of global regulatory frameworks, product safety requirements, and environmental laws.

• Abilities

• Proficient in using regulatory compliance software, environmental databases, and standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate regulatory requirements, compliance issues, and technical information clearly to various stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and work independently.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across departments and influence cross-functional teams.

• Experience

• 5 -7 years’ experience in Energy Management, Sustainability, Environmental or related Scientific field is required.
• Experience in managing chain of custody or ISO certification, working knowledge FSC, SFI or PFEC highly desired.
• Knowledge of global regulations (e.g., REACH, Prop 65, TSCA, RoHS, WEEE, OSHA, and local/national chemical management laws).
• Working Knowledge of Environmental Management Information Systems (EMIS)
• Experience in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or consumer goods is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to lift loads up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time in an office setting.
• Sufficient dexterity to use a computer at reasonable speeds.
• Ability to use PPE for periods of time spent on the shop floor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a fast-paced work environment with consistent pressure to complete duties as outlined above which requires ability to manage multiple projects at a detailed level and provide support to internal departments in a fast-changing environment. Many duties listed above are time-sensitive and have strict deadlines for completion.

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Shurtape Technologies, LLC does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including identity & expression), medical condition, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business requirement.