Sr. Operations Manager- Certifications

Company Summary: The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes, standards, and building safety solutions. This includes product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification. ICC Codes, Standards, and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. While our roots are firmly planted in the development of the Codes and Standards, our growth allows us to offer many more services to support our Codes and Standards. 

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is the industry leader in performing technical evaluations of building products, materials and systems for code compliance. This includes our testing services and product certification.

Position Summary:

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.

Essential Functions:

• 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
• Travel Requirements: 15-25% (maybe higher initially as the role gradually establishes) 

Secondary Functions:

• 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.

Essential Skills and Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng./P.E.) preferred.
• 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.
• Previous experience leading technical teams or managing operational workflows strongly preferred.
• 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.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17065, and awareness of ISO/IEC 17025 and 17020 frameworks is an asset.

Physical Requirements: 

• 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 

Environmental Conditions:

• Indoor office environment
• Must be able to work in standard office environment with artificial lighting and climate control 

Disclaimer: 

This description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The company reserves the right to change or add duties to this position as business needs require.

International Code Council offers a competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time, health/dental/vision insurance, 401k with generous company match immediately vested, company paid basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. Additional voluntary benefit offerings are available such as critical illness insurance, flexible spending accounts, and pet insurance.

International Code Council provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, citizen status, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, military status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local employment laws or regulations in every location in which the company has facilities.