Manager: Auditors (Engineering & Automotive)

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is mandated to develop, promote and maintain South African National Standards (SANS); promote quality in connection with commodities, products and services; and render conformity assessment services and assist in matters connected therewith. Working for the SABS opens the mind to the world around you. We offer diverse career paths in a dynamic environment that nurtures and recognises talent and potential. Become part of our vision of being a trusted standardisation and business assurance solution provider and join a team that fosters accountability, excellence and innovation in an inclusive workplace.

To develop, implement and manage the Auditors and formulation of associated procedures and practices to ensure the effective operational management of Certification Auditors, inclusive of record keeping and reporting.

• Diploma + Advanced Diploma / B-Degree in Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, Electrical, Civil or Mechanical Engineering field. (NQF Level 7)

• 10 years' relevant work experience in a Conformity Assessment environment (product testing, certification product and systems , and inspections) within a SANS 17020, SANS 17065, and SANS 9001 operations environment. (Operational Level)
• 3 years' management experience. (Managerial Level)

• Contribute towards development of strategy for Division and ensure alignment of this strategy with plan for security business unit overall.
• Ensure productivity measured effectively against set objectives.
• Manage and ensure drive of continuous improvement activities.
• Manage business unit and ensure it contributes to achievement of business objectives.
• Establish and maintain standardised systems, processes, and tools to support consistent auditor management and performance oversight.
• Analyse trends in auditor performance, audit outcomes, and client feedback to identify improvement opportunities.
• Address escalated performance, conduct, or compliance issues in collaboration with supervisors.
• Manage operations effectively to deliver services within timelines and prescribed quality through effective resource management.
• Use insights gained through business information to compile reports and metrics to measure success and inform business decisions within area of responsibility.
• Ensure optimal deployment, utilisation, and capacity planning of auditors in alignment with operational and strategic requirements.
• Oversee performance, conduct, and effectiveness of both permanent and contracted auditors through supervisory structures.
• Put measures in place to improve productivity.

• Manage audit activities and ensure stakeholders receive updates. Identify challenges relevant to specific auditors and provide remedial action as required.
• Develop training need (plan) for permanent auditor pool in conjunction with HC division and monitor implementation of training plan in liaison with HC department.
• Ensure technical support provided by auditors as and when required by other departments, e.g. to conduct technical reviews across division.
• Review, assess and optimise auditor utilisation.
• Identify appropriate audit methodologies available including use of technology.
• Review results of preliminary survey to understand area to be audited and provide approval for audit programme and approach.
• Formulate auditor reviews based on outcomes of monitoring using appropriate audit methodologies and technologies.
• Plan audit scope, coverage and work schedules as required by audit program.
• Review all field work findings reports and complete and submit monthly and quarterly plans and audit finding reports within sphere of control.
• Monitor implementation and adherence to audit.
• Update and review audit manuals to guide internal audit division operations.
• Ensure maintenance of accreditation requirements of relevant certification activities and adhere to and implement policies, procedures and relevant IAF and other guidelines as required.
• Analyse auditor performance and trends and ensure adherence to timelines and protocols.
• Facilitate review of Candidate Auditors for registration.
• Oversee compilation of auditor peer reviews and ensure review and analysis of outcomes as required.
• Act as senior management representative at regional office (Cape Town) for SABS, providing on-site leadership and coordination.
• Serve as primary point of contact for facilities-related matters, including liaising with Facilities Management, contractors, and service providers.
• Coordinate site-related activities such as contractor access, security, cleaning, pest control, recycling, and office readiness.
• Address ad hoc staff and site issues impacting regional office, even where staff do not report directly to role.
• Represent management in client or stakeholder engagements conducted at regional office when required.
• Support site governance, safety communication, and operational continuity in absence of dedicated regional or facilities manager.

• Ensure risk mitigation through governance, fraud controls, and compliance systems.
• Maintain quality risk management aligned with accreditation and ISO standards.
• Support internal/external audits and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to policies and SLAs.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement controls.

• Provide input in planning and compilation of annual budget aligned to strategic delivery plans to support implementation of set objectives.
• Ensure effective implementation, management, monitoring of budget, and mitigate and report on any variances.
• Ensure deployment of proper financial controls to manage budget.
• Manage and approve regional based travel in line with operational and financial controls.

• Proactively manage all direct reports in order to ensure strategic objective for division met.
• Maintain excellent human capital performance through employee empowerment, skills development and retention and succession planning within team.
• Maintain environment where employees respect and adhere to company standards of integrity and ethics by integrating these values into all processes, procedures and practices.
• Manage and lead auditors by providing clarity of vision; prioritising resources; facilitating alignment of team; managing non-performance, driving customer centric performance culture, setting appropriate KPAs and ensure cascading thereof throughout unit and driving achievement; inspiring commitment; encouraging mutual support; and enabling development opportunities.
• Implement learning culture within scope of control.
• Drive performance management in line with SABS policy within team, and address performance challenges and develop subordinates to meet expected performance standards.
• Be change champion for all auditor change, culture and diversity projects and programmes.
• Recruit and retain key talent and other critically skilled personnel to manage internal processes and oversee tactical, daily analytical work of team.
• Maintain selection, training and registration of certification auditors to ensure best practices employed and audits address specific areas of risk management.

• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Resolve operational issues and complaints.
• Engage and manage service providers.
• Represent organisation in committees and meetings.
• Provide technical support on auditing matters.
• Support disputes and appeals processes.

SABS is an equal opportunities employer, and our recruitment will be done in line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and our EE Policy.