The Regenerative Organic Alliance is the 501(c)3 nonprofit behind Regenerative Organic Certified®. Together, our small…
The Regenerative Organic Alliance is the 501(c)3 nonprofit behind Regenerative Organic Certified®. Together, our small yet mighty team is rapidly expanding the evolution of this revolutionary new certification. We are currently seeking bright, passionate, efficient individuals with a deep commitment to regenerative organic agriculture to join our nimble team!
About the Regenerative Organic Alliance:
The Regenerative Organic Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing regenerative organic agriculture worldwide. Our mission is to transform the global food system by promoting regenerative organic practices that restore soil health, biodiversity, and human well-being. Through the development of the Regenerative Organic Certification, we support farmers, ranchers, brands, and consumers in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Location: North America (Canada, United States, or Mexico) Reports to: Program Director Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $75,000-$90,000 USD Annually
Position Overview:
The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Certification Manager to oversee the operational management of our certification program. This role will report to the ROA Program Director and will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of certification services, including certification for farmers and ranchers, labeling, licensee management, desk audits, and relationships with Certification Bodies. As the Certification Manager, you will provide leadership and support to a team of Certification Operations Specialists, Coordinators, and Certification Specialists, working collaboratively to ensure that our certification processes and systems are efficient, transparent, and in full compliance with best global standards and practices.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of organic and regenerative certification systems, experience managing teams, and expertise in global supply chains. Bilingual proficiency is essential for supporting a diverse, international stakeholder base. This role requires a combination of people management, operational oversight, and technical certification knowledge to drive the success of ROA’s mission to advance regenerative agriculture globally.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead and manage a multicultural team of Certification Operations Specialists and Certification Specialists, providing mentorship, guidance, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
- Foster a positive and productive team environment, supporting professional development and promoting collaboration.
- Set clear goals and expectations for the team, monitor progress, and provide feedback to ensure performance standards are met.
- Conduct performance evaluations, identify opportunities for training and development, and help staff grow in their careers within the organization.
- Manage workload distribution and ensure that operational deadlines are met with high standards of quality and efficiency.
Certification Program Oversight
- Oversee the operational management of certification for farmers and ranchers, and brands applying for the Regenerative Organic Alliance licenses.
- Ensure exceptional customer service, high quality work while processing all certification and licensing services. This includes reviewing documentation, conducting desk audits, and coordinating audit orders with Certification Bodies in a timely manner.
- Work closely with Certification Bodies and ensure that audits are conducted in compliance with ROA standards and the global requirements for regenerative organic certification.
- Provide technical support to farmers, ranchers, and brands throughout the certification process, ensuring clarity around requirements and resolving any issues that arise.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with certification partners, ensuring that the certification process is transparent, accurate, and efficient.
Global Supply Chain Management & Compliance
- Ensure effective management and certification of global supply chains, from farm/ranch to brand/consumer, ensuring traceability and compliance with ROA certification standards (Chain of Custody).
- Collaborate with international partners to understand and navigate regional differences in certification practices, regulations, and market landscapes.
- Address challenges related to global supply chains, including logistical, regulatory, and certification issues, and provide timely, informed solutions.
Bilingual Support & Multilingual Documentation
- Provide bilingual support for certification-related inquiries, ensuring that farmers , ranchers, and brands can access the resources and guidance needed for certification.
- Manage and coordinate the translation and adaptation of certification materials, ensuring that all documentation and communications are clear and culturally appropriate.
- Engage directly with licensees and applicants to support them through the certification process, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience.
Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline certification processes, increase efficiency, and enhance overall service quality.
- Identify bottlenecks, implement solutions to optimize workflows, and develop new tools and systems to support certification operations.
- Monitor performance metrics and KPIs related to certification timelines, audit success, and licensee satisfaction, making data-driven adjustments to processes as needed.
- Facilitate communication between the accounting department’s needs and certification work by developing efficient processes and training the team on these new procedures.
- Lead and effectively communicate certification and licensee priorities with the ROA Intact Specialist to improve the certification process and create a database for internal and external users.
Certification Standards & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure all certification activities are in full compliance with ROA’s regenerative organic standards, as well as applicable regional and international certification regulations.
- Stay current with evolving certification standards, regulatory requirements, and industry trends, and ensure these changes are incorporated into the certification program.
- Regularly review and update certification protocols to ensure that they meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, and brands while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the certification.
Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Management - Serve as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, brands, Certification Bodies, and other industry partners.
- Communicate updates, changes, and certification-related information clearly and promptly to all relevant stakeholders.
- Address and resolve escalated certification issues or conflicts with professionalism and focus on finding constructive solutions.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture Business, Food Science of Safety, Business Administration with Focus on SC Management, Environmental Law, International Trade Law, Agricultural Law, Corporate Compliance or a related field (Master’s strongly preferred).
- At least 5-7 years of experience on related fields, with a minimum of 3-4 years in a people management or leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience managing certification programs, working with Certification Bodies, and overseeing the certification of agricultural products.
- Understanding of regenerative organic agriculture, organic certification processes, and related standards (e.g., USDA Organic, EU Organic, etc.).
Skills & Competencies: - Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (spoken and written) is essential. Other desired languages are French and Indi.
- Proven experience managing teams, setting clear performance goals, and fostering team development in a professional setting.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains, traceability systems, and certification protocols.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex tasks.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with certification management systems or CRM platforms (e.g. Intact Platform)
- Knowledge of sustainability and regenerative agriculture practices and a passion for promoting environmental stewardship.
Personal Attributes:
- A proactive leader who is solution-oriented, adaptable, and able to work well under pressure.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality in all aspects of certification operations.
- A passion for regenerative organic agriculture and a commitment to driving systemic change in the global food system.
Working Conditions:
- This position may require occasional travel for onsite audits, or meetings with stakeholders.
- Flexibility in hours may be required to accommodate international time zones.
How to Apply:
Please submit cover letter and Cv along with application questions.
If you have any questions, please submit to info@regenorganic.org