Global Product Manager, SQF

SGS is the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, and they are seeking a Global Product Manager for their SQF certification services. The role involves managing the SQF operations, ensuring efficiency, and developing commercial strategies for product growth in key markets.

Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the successful management of SQF ensuring the global operation is efficient and meets the expectations of SGS markets (affiliates), external clients, scheme owners and accreditation bodies
• Ensure global internal and external KPIs are met, and all relevant approvals and accreditations are maintained to safeguard the SGS business and reputation
• Provide overall commercial strategy and go-to-market (GTM) guidance for affiliates to facilitate product growth in key countries and regions
• Digital mindset to track competitors' products, research and monitor market trends and to help improve the efficiency of the global SQF growth strategy
• Manage the Global SQF team in multiple locations effectively to ensure the team remains competent, motivated and efficient
• Maintain full knowledge and understanding of SGS IT systems, procedures and external approval criteria to conduct audit report reviews and allow efficient management of technical review and certification decision process
• Develop relevant internal and external KPIs and monitor them to facilitate decision-making and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure all relevant accreditations and approvals are adhered to, in order to safeguard the SGS business and brand reputation
• Manage the launch of new SQF schemes and revisions
• Manage the costs and expenses of department effectively to contribute to the overall achievement of the department’s P&L targets
• Carry out performance review appraisals for team and lead recruitment activity as necessary
• Act as the SQF technical expert for the global network and effectively convey key messages to stakeholders at all levels within the network demonstrating pragmatism whilst maintaining the integrity of the scheme
• Achieve and maintain all required accreditations for SQF and maintain an accurate and up to date knowledge of the product regulatory evolution
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with the SQF Scheme technical management
• Communicate and interact effectively with other Product Managers for globally managed food schemes to evaluate opportunities for development and synergies
• Actively participate in relevant scheme owner committees or working groups to ensure SGS maintains influence and exposure in the area
• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with senior leadership at Safe Food Quality Institute (SQFI), its parent company, FMI, The Food Industry Association, and FMI members
• Provide subject matter expertise to the Global Food Team, International Sales and Global Key Account Managers as needed
• In line with the segment strategy, provide business plans for the growth of the product in key countries and regions
• Alignment with Marketing function in the development of the relevant specific marketing materials to support business growth
• Contribute to the achievement of the overall objectives of the Food Assurance business
• Behave in accordance with the Company’s Code of Integrity & Professional Conduct
• Adopt a safe behavior by exercising due regard for the health and safety of employees and clients, in line with policies and procedures

Requirements:

• University degree in a relevant technical subject (Food or other relevant scientific disciplines)
• Extensive knowledge and experience of the SQF certification business and food safety regulations
• Ability to combine technical credibility with relationship management and commercial awareness
• Minimum 5 years of quality assurance and auditing experience, preferably with a certification body
• Excellent understanding of food safety and quality systems in a certification and auditing context
• Digital mindset with experience of compliance, food safety and regulatory intelligence platforms
• Pragmatic, with proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong team leadership and people management skills
• Business / commercial acumen to support go-to-market (GTM) strategies
• Pragmatic with ability to think outside the box
• Excellent verbal, presentation and technical writing skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build trusted relationships at all levels within and outside the organization
• Attention to detail with ability to multi-task effectively, work under pressure
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities across multiple countries or projects
• Fluent in the English language
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Experience with Copilot 365 and/or similar AI‑powered productivity and decision‑support tools
• Lead auditor experience in any of the Global Food Safety schemes e.g. SQF across different product categories
• Additional language proficiency