Lead ISO 9001 Internal Auditor

Job Description:

• Fully own and lead the QMS internal auditing program
• Design, establish, and execute the annual internal audit schedule covering applicable ISO 9001 clauses and operational processes
• Conduct targeted, risk-based internal audits across departmental workflows and standard operating procedures
• Prepare audit plans, checklists, working papers, and formal Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs)
• Evaluate organizational processes against ISO 9001 requirements, risk-based thinking, Context of the Organization, and leadership engagement
• Review root cause analyses and evaluate proposed CAPA plans
• Track, verify, and close corrective action plans before external registrar audits
• Perform periodic risk-focused quality audits of key suppliers, vendors, and critical subcontractors
• Compile audit trend reports, QMS metrics, and risk evaluations for executive ISO 9001 Management Review meetings
• Prepare the organization and QA department for ISO 9001 registrar certification, recertification, and surveillance audits
• Serve as technical liaison and host during external ISO 9001 registrar audits
• Perform other QMS audit and compliance duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of audit experience
• 10+ years of direct experience leading ISO 9001 internal or external quality assurance audits
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification (IRCA, Exemplar Global, or equivalent required)
• Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field
• Proven track record of independently designing, establishing, and managing an end-to-end ISO 9001 QMS audit program with complete autonomy
• Expert-level mastery of ISO 9001 standard requirements, Annex SL structure, and process-approach auditing methodologies
• Strong background in non-conformance tracking, root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone), and CAPA effectiveness verification
• Ability to operate independently, set priorities, and achieve program goals within an 8-hour weekly time commitment
• Strong written and presentation skills required to communicate audit findings constructively to process owners and executive management
• Authorization to work for any US employer
• Additional ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification (preferred)
• Experience hosting and navigating successful ISO 9001 registrar certification and surveillance audits
• Practical, pragmatic approach to compliance balancing strict ISO 9001 adherence with operational efficiency
• Multi-industry auditing experience spanning manufacturing, engineering, software, or technology operations

Benefits:

• Competitive part-time hourly compensation
• Flexible work arrangement (e.g., 1 full day/week or split across 2 half-days)
• Option for hybrid or remote work flexibility (depending on audit schedule requirements)
• Opportunity to drive quality strategy and continuous improvement in a high-impact ownership role