Job Title: Internal Audit Specialist – ISO 9001 & QMS

Job Description

This role leads internal audits of the quality and environmental management systems, with a strong focus on ISO 9001 2015 compliance and continuous improvement. You will plan and execute internal audits, coordinate with cross-functional teams, support third-party audits, and drive corrective and preventive actions to enhance overall system performance.

Responsibilities

• Plan audit objectives and develop a comprehensive internal audit schedule that aligns with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Select and coordinate internal audit teams, ensuring appropriate coverage of production, service, development, and supporting activities.
• Gather and review information from production, service, development, and support functions to assess the effectiveness of the management system.
• Analyze quality and environmental system results from previous audits and other sources to understand trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as Lead Auditor, overseeing audit team activities and preparing detailed audit plans.
• Act as the management representative during third-party audits and respond to related requests for information, assistance, and advice.
• Perform planned and periodic internal assessments of the quality management system (QMS) and environmental management system (EMS).
• Interview personnel and collect relevant data on the approach, deployment, and results of key processes and systems.
• Identify non-conforming conditions, as well as strengths and opportunities for improvement, during internal audits.
• Analyze audit findings and prepare clear, concise summary presentations for leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate closing meetings to review and interpret audit results with management and agree on required actions.
• Compile and issue formal audit reports that document scope, findings, conclusions, and recommended actions.
• Follow up on audit findings to verify that corrective actions are implemented, effective, and sustainable.
• Initiate actions to prevent the occurrence and recurrence of non-conforming conditions within the management system.
• Assist in determining appropriate corrective actions and support continuous improvement efforts across the organization.
• Support problem-solving activities using tools such as 8D, 5-Why analysis, and Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams to streamline processes and support production.
• Prepare for internal and external audits by organizing documentation, evidence, and records needed to demonstrate compliance.
• Conduct internal audits in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements and internal procedures.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure audit outcomes translate into practical improvements in processes and systems.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience auditing quality management systems in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Hands-on experience planning and performing internal audits, including preparing audit objectives, schedules, and reports.
• Ability to serve as Lead Auditor, including leading audit teams and coordinating audit activities.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems used to support audit and quality processes.
• Strong understanding of quality and environmental management systems (QMS/EMS) and their integration in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify non-conformities, define corrective actions, and verify their effectiveness.
• Proficiency in analyzing audit data and presenting findings clearly to management and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with personnel at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to use structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience coordinating or supporting third-party audits as a management representative.
• Experience in manufacturing environments, particularly in roles related to quality, process improvement, or compliance.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects.
• Familiarity with environmental management systems and related audit requirements.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including production, service, development, and support functions.
• Ability to create professional presentations and reports summarizing audit outcomes and rec