Certification and Testing Manager

Job Posting Title Certification and Testing Manager

Job Description

Applus+ QPS is an accredited third-party testing, certification and field evaluation body for electrical and electronic products. Founded in 1995, it became a part of Applus+ Laboratories in 2020. Its headquarters are in Toronto, Canada and its certification offices in Ohio, US and the Netherlands, and its services are provided worldwide.

Applus+ QPS services enable its customers to meet national and international regulatory requirements related to electrical safety, energy efficiency, and explosive atmospheres and include:

Testing, certification and Field Evaluation for North American Market Access

Applus+ QPS has all the necessary accreditations and recognitions to provide market access for electrical and electronic products in North America. The Applus+ QPSmarks and labels can be considered proof of compliance with applicable national standards.

This includes certification of Ex products, as well as compliance with energy efficiency requirements.

Applus+ QPS is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) by the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). It is also accredited as a certification and inspection body under SO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17020 standards and as an A2LA as a testing laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025).

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Certification and Testing Manager for Hazardous Locations to lead and grow our global Hazardous Locations (HazLoc) certification programs. This role serves as the organization's technical authority for hazardous location certifications and plays a critical role in maintaining accreditation, advancing technical excellence, supporting business growth, and representing the company within key industry and standards organizations.

The ideal candidate is a recognized technical expert with extensive experience in product certification, hazardous locations compliance, standards development, and accreditation activities. This position offers the opportunity to influence international certification programs, mentor technical teams, and help shape the future direction of our HazLoc services.

What You'll Do

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical expert for:
  • IECEx Equipment Scheme and Competency of Personnel (CoPC) Scheme
  • ATEX Certification Programs
  • North American Hazardous Location Certification Programs
  • Regional certification programs, including Brazil, Korea, Japan, the Middle East, and other global markets
• Provide expert guidance and technical interpretations related to certification requirements, standards, and compliance programs.
• Review, interpret, and communicate updates to international and regional standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of certification processes, procedures, and technical practices.
• Support complex certification projects and provide technical oversight to certification staff.

Training & Organizational Development

• Mentor, train, and support the professional development of certification and engineering personnel.
• Develop internal competency programs and qualification plans.
• Foster technical excellence and knowledge sharing across the organization.

Accreditation & Quality Support

• Support accreditation activities and maintain compliance with certification body requirements.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team on audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with expanding accreditation scope and supporting new service offerings.

Industry Representation

• Represent the organization and maintain active participation in industry committees, standards development groups, and regulatory forums, including:
  • IECEx ExMC and ExTAG Committees
  • ATEX ExNBG Meetings
  • ICHL Meetings
  • USNC/IECEx Meetings
  • UL Standards Technical Committees (including TC 60079)
  • IEC TC31 Committees
  • NFPA Standards Committees
  • Other industry and regulatory forums as required

Business Growth & Strategy

• Partner with leadership to identify new market opportunities and service offerings.
• Support strategic planning and business development initiatives.
• Contribute to the expansion of accreditation programs and certification capabilities.
• Provide technical expertise during customer engagements and business development activities.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with a product compliance laboratory, certification body, testing laboratory, or similar organization.
• Experience working with product certification, compliance testing, project management, or certification program administration.
• Strong understanding of technical standards, regulatory requirements, and product certification processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, build client relationships, and lead technical initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business software applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years of experience in product compliance, certification, or conformity assessment.
• Significant experience in hazardous locations certification programs and standards.
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng.) designation.
• Experience with IECEx, ATEX, North American Hazardous Locations, and other international certification schemes.
• Active involvement in standards development organizations, technical committees, or industry working groups.
• Knowledge of international, Canadian, U.S., and European certification programs.
• Experience utilizing AI-enabled tools and technologies to improve efficiency and business performance.
• Working knowledge of general business operations and strategic planning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer and perform standard office-based tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret technical standards, reports, and regulatory documents.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with customers, regulatory bodies, accreditation organizations, and industry partners.

What We Offer

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced and supportive professionals dedicated to your success.
• Career Growth: Grow your career in a company that values and recognizes the contributions of its employees.
• Energizing Work Atmosphere: Join a dynamic environment committed to delivering quality results and treating customers with the utmost respect.
• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Expected Compensation: $120,000 to $140,000. Compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications and falls within the expected range for this role.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy a paid vacation to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunities for Professional Development: Access training and development programs to help you reach your career goals.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy additional benefits, including an RRSP match, health, dental, and vision coverage, a flexible work schedule, and the assurance that your well-being is prioritized.

This position represents an existing vacancy within our organization, an opportunity to step into a role where your talents will make a meaningful difference.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We use no AI in our recruitment process. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this role.

Accessibility & Equal Opportunity

QPS is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process.