MarinTrust is seeking an individual for maternity cover who will manage and support the organisation’s Quality Management System and compliance monitoring across assurance activities, including alignment with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice. The role also includes certification body oversight, technical assurance communications, and data governance, alongside management of risk, logo and claims, and complaints processes. In addition, the successful candidate will coordinate training development and delivery and support the Technical Assurance Committee (TAC), contributing to the ongoing integrity and continuous improvement of assurance systems.

How to apply: Please send your C.V. to [email protected]. Applications are open until 8th May 2026.

MarinTrust is the leading independent business-to-business certification programme for the marine ingredient value chain consisting of the MarinTrust Standard for Responsible Supply of Marine Ingredients, the MarinTrust Chain of Custody Standard, and the MarinTrust Improver Programme, with the vision of advancing best practice in the responsible sourcing, traceability and production of marine ingredients globally.

Job Title: Assurance Officer (Maternity cover)
Location: United Kingdom and Ireland/Mainland Europe
Reports to: Assurance & Risk Manager 
Liaison with: MarinTrust Team, Certification Bodies, Governance Committees, stakeholders and interested parties
Salary: On application
Start date: 1st July2026
Contact: [email protected]

Purpose of post

This is a maternity cover role reporting to the Assurance and Risk Manager, responsible for supporting the organisation’s assurance framework. The individual will manage the Quality Management System and compliance monitoring across assurance activities, ensuring alignment with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice. The role supports the integrity, consistency, and continuous improvement of assurance and governance systems.

Key deliverables include:

  • Maintained and effective Quality Management System (QMS), with up-to-date procedures, records, and continuous improvements
  • Compliance monitoring outputs across assurance activities, including tracking and reporting against ISEAL requirements
  • Managed risk, complaints, and logo/claims processes with accurate records and timely resolution
  • Clear and consistent technical assurance communications, including FAQs and clarification logs
  • Coordinated certification body oversight activities, including performance tracking and meeting outputs
  • Delivered training materials, sessions, and records for internal teams and certification bodies
  • Supported governance processes, including TAC coordination and assurance-related reporting

As part of the role, the post holder will also be responsible for contributing to the delivery of the vision and mission of MarinTrust and the strategic development of the organisation.

Key responsibilities

  • Manage the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Quality Management System. This includes overseeing QMS documentation and document control processes, monitoring system effectiveness through KPIs and internal reviews, supporting audit preparation and delivery, and ensuring updates are effectively communicated and embedded across the organisation.
  • Manage compliance monitoring across assurance activities, including spot checks, audit reviews, and tracking non-conformities, while identifying risks and performance trends. Support corrective actions, reporting, stakeholder communication, escalation of issues, and continuous improvement of assurance processes.
  • Manage the organisation’s compliance with the ISEAL Codes by monitoring requirements and updates, conducting gap analyses, and maintaining supporting documentation. This includes coordinating inputs for reporting and submissions, liaising with ISEAL representatives, responding to feedback or corrective actions, and supporting organisational engagement with relevant ISEAL events and updates.
  • Manage technical assurance system queries and communications, providing clarification to stakeholders including internal teams, certification bodies, and certificate holders via email, meetings, and calls, while maintaining FAQs/clarification logs and drafting technical assurance communications.
  • Design, implement, and maintain data governance frameworks, procedures, and controls, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliant access management. Monitor adherence to governance standards, update documentation, and support data governance incident response where required.
  • Manage the development, maintenance, and delivery of assurance-related training, including identifying training needs, producing and updating training materials, and delivering sessions to certification bodies and internal teams, while monitoring effectiveness and maintaining accurate training records and attendance.
  • Maintain oversight of Certification Bodies through ongoing performance monitoring, record-keeping, and relationship management, including regular meetings, coordination of key assurance activities, and communication of performance issues and requirements, while also supporting the Assurance and Risk Manager in interactions and activities relating to accreditation bodies.
  • Manage and support internal audit and external audits for Certification Bodies. This includes being the company representative (auditee) for internal audits.
  • Support the Assurance and Risk Manager in maintaining and developing the risk management system, including identifying and assessing risks, maintaining risk records, monitoring controls, and contributing to risk reporting and updates.
  • Provide support to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), including coordinating and facilitating meetings, preparing agendas and papers, recording actions and decisions, and tracking follow-up items, while also independently chairing and running meetings where required, particularly following development of relevant QMS procedures.
  • Manage complaints management processes, ensuring timely handling, investigation, resolution, and accurate record-keeping in line with governance standards.
  • Undertake wider assurance and organisational support activities, including attending internal team meetings and external GBC meetings, reviewing and updating relevant web content, participating in training and development courses, and supporting MEL (monitoring, evaluation and learning) activities related to assurance processes.

Person specification

MarinTrust seeks a highly motivated individual with an experienced assurance background expertise, and in standard development. The ideal candidate will thrive in a small, dynamic and geographically dispersed team.

Technical Knowledge and Experience

  • Strong understanding of quality management systems and compliance frameworks
  • Experience in developing, revising, and implementing management systems (minimum 2 years)
  • Strong experience in procedure development, document control, and system maintenance
  • Knowledge of relevant standards and norms (e.g. ISO 17065, ISO 17067)
  • Understanding of sustainability assurance frameworks, including ISEAL requirements
  • Experience working with sustainability standards or assurance systems
  • Knowledge of the seafood and marine ingredients sector (desirable)
  • Experience with compliance monitoring, risk management, and non-conformance systems
  • Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001)

Collaborative Skills

  • Experience working effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with certification bodies and partners
  • Comfortable working within small teams and supporting cross-functional activities
  • Experience supporting governance or committee structures and collaborative processes

Management and Organisation Abilities

  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams
  • Experience coordinating projects and delivering outputs to deadlines
  • Ability to work independently, use initiative, and take ownership of tasks
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and systems
  • Experience managing structured processes such as compliance systems, complaints, or claims frameworks

Communications

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience drafting clear technical guidance, procedures, and stakeholder communications
  • Confidence in facilitating meetings and communicating with external organisations
  • Ability to produce clear reports, records, and documentation for governance and assurance purposes

Terms of appointment

Contractual Terms (UK)

Contract type: Maternity Cover (This is a 12-month fixed term maternity cover position, ideally with an early July start)
Probation: 3 months
Notice: 3 months
Working hours: 37.5 per week
Working time: Monday-Friday, 09:00 – 17:00

MarinTrust supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. You will be expected to carry out all duties in the context of and in compliance with MarinTrust Health & Safety Policies.

Benefits (UK)

Annual leave: Starting with 20 days for 1st year (pro-rated depending on when is starting date). Then, an additional day’s holiday will be provided for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 25 days.
Pension: Own pension scheme auto enrolled. Pension arrangements will be 8% contribution from employer & 4% from employee as a choice of salary sacrifice.