Technical Manager, Rainforest Alliance

Company Overview

Since 1984, SCS Global Services has been a pioneer and leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification, working across the economy in the natural resources, built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and climate sectors. Partnering with companies, government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders, we are striving to advance sustainable development goals through independent assessment, the application of sound science, and innovative solutions. Through these services, we are enabling decision-makers and purchasers to make informed decisions, giving innovators a competitive edge, and helping to drive the development of leadership standards to create a framework for continuous improvement.

Job Overview

The Technical Manager reports to the Program Manager and Director of the ESG – Food and Agriculture Division and will support the administration of the Rainforest Alliance program in Côte d’Ivoire and West Africa region. The position entails interpretation and implementation of standards, quality control of audits, and support to field auditors, affiliates, and colleagues on all aspects of the certification programs within defined project responsibilities. In addition, the position includes management of team members, assisting in the implementation of the auditor training program, and additional special projects as needed. The position has a primary focus on the Rainforest Alliance Program and other ESG programs.

Relevant Standards/Schemes

• Rainforest Alliance
• Fair Trade USA
• Other ESG programs

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Oversight and Support

• Conduct final reviews and make procedure decisions
• Support technical staff in review of complex technical issues and ensure consistency of interpretation among staff and contractors
• Establish staff and contractor needs and qualifications
• Leads or supports program meetings, manages communications

Staff Support and Oversight

• Assist program manager in recruitment and hiring of staff or contractors to ensure sufficient operational capacity
• Navigate professional relationships with contractors
• Support or provide initial and ongoing training for program staff
• Evaluate and calibrate staff and contractor performance and provide feedback
• Delegate audit assignments and internal responsibilities of auditing team and coordinators
• Manage workloads of technical teams, auditing teams, and coordinators

Business Support and Budget Management

• Develops and manages client’s program budgets
• Assists program manager and director with internal financial matters and projections
• Supports proposal development

Audit Supervision

• Supervise audits and/or site inspections as needed in relevant scopes/schemes
• Maintain positive client relationships and respond to client inquiries and concerns

Program Research, Development, and Quality

• Conduct research on new projects/clients
• Develop and maintain program procedures and documents in compliance with quality system guidelines
• Develop and implement procedures to increase quality and efficiency of verifications/audits and certification services
• Develop work instructions, internal guidance, and staff training materials
• Communicate with the SCS QA team to ensure state-of-the-art practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (e.g. agriculture and/or biological sciences related)
• Professional working experience with verbal and written fluency in French and English
• 5+ years of audit or food technology work experience in the food or agriculture industry required
• 2+ years of management experience
• ISO 9001, ISO 19011, or equivalent certificate
• Experience with third-party auditing, certification systems, ISO 9001:2008 quality systems, or other applicable industry standards
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
• Excellent technical writing, observation, and data management skills
• Strong communication abilities and emotional intelligence
• Ability to complete time-sensitive projects and to provide realistic deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Initiative and ability to work independently; responsive and adaptive to team environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a related field (e.g. agriculture and/or biological sciences related)
• Demonstrated abilities in critical analysis

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Additional duties outside of normal responsibilities may be required from time to time as assigned.

Working Remotely
At this time, SCS Global Services is recruiting all open roles to be remote; allowing our employees the ability to work flexibly and allowing SCS as a company to diversify the experience and perspectives of our growing workforce. This role will be based out of your home office.

Estimated Annual Salary
21,994,488 to 23,216,404 XOF (West African CFA Franc)

EEOC Statement
SCS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SCS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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