Manager Certification, Performance and Relations (m-f-d)

Third-party certification is at the heart of FSC's assurance system, with more than 50 Certification Bodies (CBs) operating across over 100 countries. As

Manager Certification, Performance and Relations (m-f-d) , you will play a pivotal role in shaping how these partners engage with FSC as our assurance system continues to evolve.

You will lead the end-to-end responsibility for the design, coordination, and continuous improvement of FSC’s operational engagement model with certification bodies, with a particular focus on digital transformation, data integration, and system integrity.

You will act as the owner of certification body engagement in the context of FSC’s technology and data initiatives, ensuring alignment between FSC’s strategic transformation priorities and CB operational realities.

The role drives adoption of interconnected digital initiatives across the certification ecosystem, strengthens system performance, and contributes to the evolution of FSC’s assurance framework and associated processes.

• Main Roles & Responsibilities
• Ownership of FSC–Certification Body engagement model for digital and data-driven initiatives:
• Coordination and alignment of multiple interconnected global initiatives impacting CB operations.
• System-level contribution to assurance performance, auditability, and integrity.
• Cross-functional influence across FSC units and external stakeholders (CBs, ASI, Network Partners).
• Design, implement, and continuously evolve the global engagement framework for certification bodies in the context of FSC digital transformation.
• Lead the coordination and operationalization of multiple interconnected technology and data initiatives (e. g., FSC Trace, Digital Audit Reporting, Salesforce, GIS platforms) impacting CBs.
• Ensure alignment between FSC system-level objectives and CB implementation realities, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and adoption barriers.
• Act as the primary interface between FSC and certification bodies for digital and operational topics, ensuring coherent and consistent engagement.
• Represent Certification Body perspectives across FSC programmes and initiatives, ensuring their needs are reflected in system design, implementation, and strategic decision-making.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment across FSC to deliver effective tools, systems, and processes that support Certification Bodies.
• Lead FSC's global engagement with Certification Bodies, fostering strong partnerships, structured dialogue, and continuous feedback.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment between FSC, ASI, and Certification Bodies through strategic engagement forums and shared operational priorities.
• Leverage data and insights to drive continuous improvement, identifying trends, system opportunities, and priorities that strengthen Certification Body performance and the assurance system.
• Shape the development of digital tools and platforms, including the CB Portal, ensuring solutions meet user needs and support FSC's strategic objectives.
• Drive the adoption and continuous enhancement of FSC's digital solutions by collaborating with stakeholders, developing enablement resources, and providing user-driven feedback to improve system performance.

Your profile

• University degree or equivalent training or experience in a relevant field, for example, natural resource management, forestry, international relations, business administration or similar.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: certification, assurance, or natural resource management or related sectors.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives, preferably in digital or system transformation contexts.
• Proven experience in coordinating cross‑functional projects and driving stakeholder alignment at scale.
• Strong analytical capability with ability to generate actionable insights for system‑level decision‑making:
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence without formal authority
• Strong conceptual thinking with the ability to connect multiple initiatives into coherent approaches
• High level of autonomy, accountability, and ownership
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset.

Why us?

• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by being part of FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards
• Benefit from work‑life balance with our hybrid working structure
• 30 vacation days yearly
• Regional transportation ticket
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures
• Once a year in‑person get together with the global FSC staff
• The Fine Print
• Location: Bonn, Germany.
• Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week.
• Duration of Employment: Temporary contract - 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance)
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.
• Travel: Sporadic (international) travel is required.
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