Senior Quality Manager – Development of Standards

Location: the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany
Job Purpose and Background
The Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative is looking for a Quality Manager who has experience in international voluntary sustainability standard-setting and assurance organizations. The Quality Manager ensures that SBTi’s standards and outputs follow the SBTi Standard Operating Procedure for the Development of Standards and meet rigorous quality and compliance requirements. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining quality management frameworks, conducting regular internal oversight and quality reviews, and driving continuous improvement across processes and deliverables. By collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders, the Quality Manager upholds the organization’s credibility and commitment to excellence in environmental standard-setting. It also exemplifies respectful behaviour, open communication, and integrity, embodying SBTi’s values and supporting a positive, healthy work culture.
The Technical Department leads the development and maintenance of the key resources within the initiative to enable the adoption of climate targets in line with the best available science and following best practices for standard-setting organizations.The Quality Team, as part of the Technical Department, is responsible for ensuring all normative outputs are following and complying with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Development of SBTi Standards and international best practices for Standard-setting.
As the Quality Manager the position will focus on:
● Quality Management: Develop, implement, and maintain quality KPI’s frameworks and policies for the organization’s standards and outputs.● Develop documents elaborating procedures, policies and processes for the development, publication and MEL of the SBTi’s standards and guidance.● Defining and documenting Inter-departmental processes and procedures● Support in the development of robust document management systems (including the introduction of new technologies/IT platforms).This position will report to the Head of Quality based in Spain.
This role plays an important part in achieving:
● A credible and smooth transition to a formal voluntary sustainability standard setting and assurance system. 1● A quality-driven, collaborative, professional culture in the Technical Department and across the organisation.
You are a great fit for this role if you:
The ideal candidate has a proven record in international voluntary sustainability standard-setting and assurance organizations, designing and implementing quality processes, and managing projects. Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills, coupled with an understanding of standard-setting processes are crucial to effectively managing collaboration across teams.
About the SBTi:
The SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies worldwide to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.The SBTi defines and promotes best practices in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.For more information, please visit www.sciencebasedtargets.org
Key responsibilities include:
● Ensure successful delivery of assigned projects following SBTi’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).● Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance frameworks and policies for the organization’s standards and outputs.● Conduct regular quality reviews to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.● Identify and address non-conformities in processes, providing actionable recommendations for improvement.● Develop, monitor and evaluate performance metrics to track quality improvements over time.● Monitor compliance with the Head of Quality including regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies.● Ensure documentation and reporting adhere to best practices, maintaining transparency and accountability.● Provide training and guidance to teams to foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement.● Collaborate with internal teams to integrate quality assurance at all stages of standard development.● Facilitate stakeholder communication, ensuring alignment and timely resolution of issues.● Facilitate regular lessons-learned sessions and implement improvements to foster a culture of continuous improvement.● Facilitate decision-making processes that are informed, timely, and aligned with project priorities.● Drive collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team, the Technical Department, and across the organization to maximize impact.● Role model respectful behavior, open communication, and integrity as vital pillars of SBTi’s culture.
Essential skills and experience needed:
● 8 years of professional experience in quality management within environmental standards or a related field.● A strong track record in international voluntary sustainability standard-setting and/or certification or assurance organizations is a must.● In-depth knowledge of quality assurance frameworks, tools, and methodologies.● Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex processes and identify areas for improvement.● Experience conducting audits and preparing comprehensive quality reports.● Proven ability to design and implement effective quality management systems.● Solid experience in risk management, due diligence, and/or data management.● Experience in overseeing multi-stakeholder processes for standard development (highly desirable)● Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.● Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.● A relevant degree in environmental science, quality management, or a related discipline; professional certification in quality management.
Desirable criteria:
● Experience or passion for sustainability and climate changeImportant information before you apply.● This is a full-time role based in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany.● The salary for this role will depend on location and experience level.● This role is a fi xed-term contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension.● This role holds a maximum 6-month probationary period, depending on country legislation.● Interested candidates should be legally allowed to work in the specified countries and already be visa holders. The SBTi cannot sponsor working visas.
What we offer:
● Working in one of the most successful and fastest-growing initiatives driving climate action.● Exciting and challenging tasks in a dynamic, international, innovative, and highly motivated team.● Training and development.● 30 days of time off , plus your Country's bank holidays.
Salary range:
UK: 55k to 85k pounds per yearUSA: 80k to 100k USD per yearMexico: 68k to 90k Mexican pesos per monthEurope: 67k to 90k euros per year
To apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter to Kris Kobi at kris@climate17.com
SBTi is an equal opportunity employer - committed to building an inclusive workplace and diverse staff , where all can thrive. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.