Certification Manager – Farming & Growing

About our Organisation

Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across
food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver
trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high
integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including
food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and
wellbeing, textiles and catering.

We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over
60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association
organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.

Soil Association Certification is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Soil Association, formed in
1946, which is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the
environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we
support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn’t do any of this without
our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world
where it’s needed the most.

About the Opportunity

As the Certification Manager, you will oversee a busy and evolving team of Certification
Officers, ensuring they deliver outstanding service to our many farmers and growers seeking
organic certification. You will play a key role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of
our certification processes while supporting your team in achieving their goals. Key
responsibilities include:

• Leading, managing, and mentoring the Certification Officers, ensuring high standards of
  performance and professional development.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the certification process, ensuring timely, accurate,
  and efficient service delivery.
• Acting as a key point of contact for complex certification queries and decision-making.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to uphold and promote organic
  standards.
• Identifying areas for process improvement and implementing solutions to enhance efficiency and
  customer satisfaction.

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and approachable leader with a passion for
organic farming and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in team management, ideally within the agricultural, food, or certification sectors.
• A strong understanding of the principles of organic farming and food production.
• Experience in customer service delivery, with a focus on building positive client
  relationships.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• A keen eye for detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

While experience in organic certification processes is desirable, we also welcome candidates
with transferable skills from the agricultural or food production industries who are eager to
learn and grow within this field.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro
  rata for part time)
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with
  length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy,
  sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Permanent

Location

Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based)