Business Support Specialist

Business Support Specialist

Reporting to the Global Operations Manager, Business Support Specialists work to ensure that the assigned schemes are administered effectively to ensure that customers, technical experts/auditors and senior management have access to up-to-date accurate information and processes to enable first class service.

Post holders are expected to provide administration and technical support services in support of the LRQA Seafood business and its functions to ensure LRQA's reputation as a leading certification provider globally is upheld.

What will you do?

1. Take ownership and responsibility of the end-to-end audit process for the scheme(s); from initial application through to issuing of certificate, completing all tasks to meet scheme owner, accreditation body and operational KPIs.
2. Maintain a general understanding of relevant procedures, processes, and documentation for the LRQA aquaculture schemes, keeping all up to date and in line with scheme and standard updates.
3. Ensure accuracy and completeness of data in internal management systems and databases (in line with internal procedures, contractual requirements, cost structures and budget constraints) to support smooth delivery of resources and invoicing, and manage the storage and distribution of scheme documents and internal procedures, conducting regular reviews to ensure relevance and validity.
4. Maintain external scheme databases and reports in line with scheme timelines and requirements.
5. Review & analyse data to provide management information/statistics, including the identification and reporting of process failures, to support the overall delivery of processes. Reporting of key metrics to colleagues, including production of monthly wins, monthly invoicing information, new leads, finance forecasts, daily tracking of activities & ad-hoc reports.
6. Investigate options to drive operational efficiencies in administration, support processes and systems. Adopt opportunities where they exist. Assist colleagues/managers with the implementation of new administrative processes and procedures within the team.
7. Complete all activities in line with accreditation requirements (accreditation body and ISO 17065); navigating through internal and external accreditation audits (including desk reviews and witness assessments) and responding to findings in a timely manner.
8. Represent LRQA in scheme owner meetings and industry events, where relevant.
9. Schedule audits appropriately, taking into account LRQA and scheme requirements, contractual requirements, delivery method and geography, and prepare and approve cost-effective travel plans for site audits, meetings, and relevant events with travel companies and other agencies such as visa organisations, abiding by LRQA policy and considering travel restrictions and visa requirements.
10. Maintain contact with audit team members as necessary / requested throughout the assessment and inspection process.
11. Maintain the competency matrix of auditors, shadow and witness records and training records, to ensure that contractors/team members contracted to carry out assessment and inspection duties are competent to carry out the functions they are contracted to perform, and do so with the support of the team, where necessary.

What will you bring?

• Experience with administering company compliance requirements.
• A strong grasp of administrative programmes/software and database management.
• An interest in marine science/aquaculture.
• Tertiary education (preferably in a relevant subject).
• Well organised with the ability to plan and schedule work effectively.
• Analytical approach to work and excellent attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Qualifications or experiences relevant to seafood, the marine environment, fisheries, aquaculture or equivalent.
• Prior experience of accredited certification schemes and auditing, particularly in aquaculture schemes such as Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Diversity and Inclusion at LRQA:

We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and we are passionate about embracing different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are all about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is right at the heart of our business. Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!