Why Join Cotecna?
Cotecna is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, operating in over 100 countries and enabling trade, compliance, and safety across complex international supply chains. The company is known for combining deep technical expertise with innovative digital solutions, helping governments and businesses operate with trust and transparency.
Joining Cotecna means becoming part of a mission‑driven organization that values accountability, open communication, and making things happen. You’ll work with diverse teams across the world and play a pivotal role in strengthening the quality foundations that support Cotecna’s growth.
About the Role
As Head of Quality, reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, you will lead Cotecna’s global quality strategy, ensuring the organization maintains the management systems, certifications, and accreditations that underpin its credibility and growth. You will drive continuous improvement, strengthen operational excellence, and embed quality culture across all business lines and regions.
This is a high‑impact leadership role with global visibility and influence.
Key Responsibilities
Group Certifications & Accreditations
- Lead and manage Cotecna’s ISO 9001 group certification and ISO 17020 group accreditation, including coordination with certification and accreditation bodies.
- Ensure successful planning, execution, reporting, and closure of all ISO 17020 internal audits across the network.
- Maintain and support additional accreditations such as ISO 17065 and FSC Chain of Custody.
Quality Governance & Frameworks
- Own and evolve the Cotecna Business Framework, ensuring its principles are understood and applied consistently across the organization.
- Oversee the documentation architecture supporting the framework and validate its quality and alignment.
Operational Quality Leadership
- Provide expert support to Cotecna entities on ISO 9001, ISO 17020, ISO 17025, ISO 17065, and other management systems.
- Support business lines in achieving new certifications and accreditations required for strategic growth.
- Act as Quality Manager for Geneva HQ, ensuring internal audits, corrective actions, and management reviews are effectively executed.
Internal Audit & Technical Governance
- Contribute to global internal audit planning and technical governance audits.
- Ensure non‑conformities and corrective actions are systematically followed up and closed.
Sustainability & Chain of Custody
- Oversee development and monitoring of sustainability KPIs related to environmental impact and supplier performance.
- Serve as the FSC Management System Manager, responsible for establishing and maintaining the FSC Chain of Custody certification system.
What You Bring
Qualifications & Experience
- University degree or minimum 5 years’ experience in quality management.
- IRCA ISO 9001 QMS Lead Auditor certification preferred.
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 17020, ISO 17065 (mandatory).
- Experience with ISO 17021, ISO 17025, or FSC Chain of Custody is an advantage.
- Background in certification activities (management systems, product certification, etc.) is desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical mindset with excellent follow‑through.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
- Excellent communication skills in English; French or Spanish is a plus.
- Ability to engage effectively with all organizational levels, from operational teams to the CEO.
- Project management capability.
- Leadership competencies aligned with Cotecna’s values: Drives Results, Customer Focus, Collaboration, Business Insight, and Situational Adaptability.