Sr. Operations Manager- Certifications

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL INC•Brea, CA

About The Position

The Sr. Operations Manager – Certifications is responsible for leading and executing certification operations within ICC-ES’s Electrical Certification Division. This role combines hands-on technical execution of certification projects as a project engineer with operational leadership responsibilities. The incumbent will actively manage electrical product certification projects while simultaneously building scalable processes, developing operational infrastructure, and preparing the certification function for growth. As business volume increases, the role will progressively shift toward broader operational management, team leadership, performance optimization, and strategic expansion of certification services. This position is ideal for a technically strong, performance-driven professional who is motivated to build and lead a high-quality certification program aligned with ISO/IEC 17065 and SCC accreditation requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related discipline.
5–10+ years of experience in electrical product certification, compliance engineering, or testing within a TIC environment.
Strong knowledge of CSA, UL, IEC standards and conformity assessment principles.
Working familiarity with ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation requirements (SCC or equivalent).
Demonstrated experience managing complex certification projects.
Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Client-focused, team-player, proactive, and performance-oriented mindset
High level of integrity and commitment to impartiality and public safety.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, product construction details, and applicable safety standards.
Understanding of certification lifecycle management, surveillance programs, and certificate maintenance.
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or desk
Occasional standing, walking, and reaching to access files or office supplies
Manual dexterity for typing, filing, and handling office equipment
Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, documents)
Visual acuity to read printed and digital materials
Auditory ability to communicate effectively in person and over the phone
May need to climb stairs in multi-level office building
Must be able to work in standard office environment with artificial lighting and climate control

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.Eng./P.E.) preferred.
Previous experience leading technical teams or managing operational workflows strongly preferred.
Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17065, and awareness of ISO/IEC 17025 and 17020 frameworks is an asset.

Responsibilities

Manage and execute electrical product certification projects from application through certification recommendation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 and ICC-ES procedures.
Review product construction, schematics, technical documentation, and test reports for compliance with applicable CSA, UL, IEC, and related standards.
Define project scope, applicable standards, testing requirements, and certification pathways.
Coordinate testing activities with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories and monitor project progress.
Prepare technical evaluation summaries and support Certification Decision Maker(s) (CDMs) with complete, defensible files.
Serve as the primary technical contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and timely resolution of technical issues.
Design, implement, and continuously improve certification workflows from application intake through certification issuance and surveillance.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), evaluation templates, checklists, and process documentation in alignment with ISO/IEC 17065 and SCC re-quirements.
Establish and monitor operational KPIs (cycle time, backlog, utilization, quality of re-ports, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction) and drive continuous improvement.
Oversee workload planning, resource allocation, and prioritization of certification activities.
Support recruitment, onboarding, mentoring, and performance development of certification engineers as the team expands.
Ensure certification activities meet all traceability, impartiality, and documentation re-quirements under ISO/IEC 17065 and the ICC-ES Quality Management System.
Support internal audits, management reviews, and external accreditation assessments.
Performs other related duties as assigned
Partner with the VP of Electrical Services and commercial teams to support certification business growth.
Provide technical input into proposals, scope expansion, and new service development.
Identify opportunities to expand certification scope (new standards, product categories, jurisdictions).
Monitor competitor practices evolving market needs.
Represent ICC-ES in industry forums, technical committees, and accreditation discussions as appropriate.
Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, customer focus, and high-performance delivery.
Embrace a start-up mindset: adaptable, hands-on, and comfortable building systems while executing projects.