IRATA Audit Compliance Officer

Join IRATA International as our Audit Compliance Officer.

Location: Ashford, UK (Head Office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

IRATA International is the leading worldwide authority on industrial rope access today. The IRATA rope access method has set the standard for safe working at height over the past 30 years with an unrivalled safety record. Its pioneers continually strive to promote global awareness of its efficient, safe and environmentally advantageous methods.

IRATA has over 850 member companies currently operating across 68 countries ranging across industry sectors such as oil and gas, construction, renewable energy, geo-technical and non-destructive testing. IRATA certification is widely recognised as the industry standard for rope access personnel and has over 140,000 qualified technicians worldwide who are trained to the highest standard based on the IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS).

The Role

Audit Compliance Officer is a key member of the IRATA Head Office team, working across the Quality Department and Corporate Membership Services Department with a focus on the internal and third-party audit services. This position assists the Quality Manager with the internal audit programme, implementing a risk-based approach and producing reports and recommendations for management thereby ensuring a timely and reasonable assurance that internal control systems are adequate and effective.

This position is fundamental in insuring that IRATA’s established third-party audit programme remains effective, robust and professional, recommending key areas for improvement and driving change where approved.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure that all audits are conducted in accordance with IRATA governance, policy and procedure, maintaining ISO 17024 standards.
  • Ensure audit team objectives and performance is monitored and objectives are met.
  • Collate and analyse audit performance data against defined parameters.
  • Produce regular audit related bulletins for shared learning.
  • Perform quality review of audit reports and where amendments are required communicate these effectively to Auditors.
  • Coordination and management of IRATA’s global audit team to ensure audits are performed to the documented standards and resolve audit related queries.
  • Produce and review audit related documents and procedures.
  • Produce clear and concise audit reports highlighting concerns and providing potential solutions.
  • Conduct trend analysis and use audit outcomes to drive improvement.
  • Provide regular audit reports for management as required.
  • Perform internal audits and document audit findings, ensuring that audit issues are communicated and resolved in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that internal audit assignments focus on key risk areas and are performed efficiently and on time.
  • Manage feedback processes and follow-up of reported internal audit findings.
  • Promote quality performance improvement across the IRATA audit team.
  • Identify and immediately report significant findings which could adversely affect risk to IRATA.
  • Ensure that IRATA membership policies and procedures are upheld.
  • Manage the audit team recruitment programme.
  • Guide Auditors (internal and external) and relevant staff in audit practices and provide general/targeted training as appropriate.
  • Perform research e.g. make recommendations for improvement to the audit management system, software, reporting etc.
  • Manage ad hoc projects as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a lead audit role.
  • Strong experience of internal/third party audit methodologies and techniques to include:
  • audit planning
  • audit scheduling
  • allocating resources in accordance with skills and schedules
  • audit report writing
  • identification and classification of audit outcomes
  • Experience in managing auditors and audit teams.
  • Experience in Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience in collating, analysing and presenting data and metrics.
  • Experience of continuous improvement methodology.
  • Ability to read, analyse and interpret technical standards and reports.
  • Can work autonomously and as part of a team.
  • Ability to prioritise workload, exercise good time-management and the ability to work to deadlines, and excellent organisational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to work with staff and auditors at all levels, including senior colleagues.
  • Experience in providing training to personnel.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Proficient in verbal and written English
  • Experience in supervision and/or management of a team.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with risk assessments.
  • Good numeracy and statistical analysis skills.
  • Experience of working with external quality assurance agencies, professional bodies and/or collaborative partners.
  • Excellent IT skills, including the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, internet, video conferencing and virtual learning environments, alongside quality management software.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 19011.
  • Experience of ISO 9001, ISO45001, ISO 17024 and ISO 17021 (advantageous).

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent professional or vocational qualification.
  • Hold a recognised professional Internal Auditor qualification (essential).
  • Hold a recognised professional Lead Auditor qualification (essential).
  • Member of professional audit related body (e.g. IRCA/CQI) (preferrable).

Personal Characteristics

  • Highly motivated individual displaying drive and determination to succeed.
  • Analytical thinker with the ability to monitor processes and suggest innovative improvements.
  • Ability to communicate, develop and sustain excellent working relationships at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.
  • To always represent the Association in a positive and professional manner.
  • Be flexible in their approach to working hours, to include regional and international travel from time to time.

How to Apply

Please submit a comprehensive CV with a covering email to [email protected]. In the subject line of your submission, state “Audit Compliance Officer.”

The covering email should state:
Please note that we review applications as we receive them, and we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.

  • Your reasons for applying
  • What you would bring to IRATA with specific reference to the role
  • Current notice provisions and salary expectations

IRATA Training and Assessment Technical Officer

Join IRATA International as our Training and Assessment Technical Officer.

Location: Ashford, UK (Head Office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The Role

IRATA International, the global authority for industrial rope access, is seeking a Training and Assessment Technical Officer with strong technical expertise in the IRATA Rope Access Training and Assessment Scheme.

This role is central to safeguarding the integrity, consistency, and continuous improvement of IRATA’s training and assessment services worldwide, supporting members, instructors, and assessors across a complex global operating environment.

You will shape and implement approved decisions relating to the technical aspects of IRATA training and assessment, applying sound judgment and expertise.

As the internal lead on matters related to training, assessment, and associated industry, it is essential that you are able to work closely and on a dynamic basis with the wider Head Office team.

A strong understanding of regional operating contexts, emerging risks and sector pressures is essential.

We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role. Candidates must have an existing, legal right to live and work in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as the principal technical interface between the Training, Assessment and Certification Committee (TACC) and Head Office, ensuring clear translation of approved decisions into implementation.
  • Collaborate to shape training priorities, structure agendas, and drive outcome focused and strategically aligned committee meetings.
  • Produce regular technical, risk informed reports on international training developments, standards, operational challenges, and emerging threats to inform and support decision making.
  • Track and report on regional training and assessment trends, legislation, guidance and issues.
  • Take an active role in influencing direction and outcomes of TACC meetings, aligning contributions with IRATA’s strategic objectives.
  • Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of TACC meetings. This includes agendas, venue arrangements, presentation and training materials, minute-taking, and structured action tracking.
  • Direct TACC projects and working groups, defining scope, milestones, and deliverables, holding contributors accountable.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with IRATA associate members to maintain current knowledge in industry related developments.
  • Manage and coordinate IRATA Assessor performance monitoring and provide metrics and reports on associated findings.
  • Maintain authoritative reference resources covering legislation, standards, and technical guidance.
  • Represent IRATA externally where required, on standards committees, technical forums, and industry groups, contributing expertise and reinforcing IRATA’s position as the global benchmark for rope access training.
  • Support all internal departments on matters related to training, assessment, and associated industry.

What We Are Looking For

  • In-depth technical expertise on the IRATA Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme, including practical application and accreditation requirements.
  • Extensive practical experience in IRATA technician training and assessment.
  • Strong understanding of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks.
  • Proven capability in drafting, reviewing, and maintaining formal technical documentation and standards.
  • Experience delivering industrial rope access training or operating at a senior technical level.
  • A record of effective engagement and credibility in meetings, shaping conversations and influencing outcomes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to convey complex technical matters clearly and authoritatively.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 17024.

Essential/Desirable Qualifications

  • IRATA Level 3 rope access qualification.
  • IRATA Assessor certification is advantageous.
  • Instructor or equivalent training qualification.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
  • GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above (or recognised international equivalent).

Personal Attributes

  • Demonstrates professional authority and credibility in technical and operational settings.
  • Exercises sound judgement and takes ownership of decisions.
  • Is disciplined and detail oriented, with a strong sense of accountability.
  • Understands and respects regional diversity, balancing global consistency with practical realities.
  • Builds trusted relationships across committees, staff, and external stakeholders.
  • Represents IRATA with integrity and professionalism.
  • Is flexible regarding working hours and international travel.

Why Join IRATA

This role offers the opportunity to directly influence industrial rope access training and assessment worldwide. You will work alongside industry experts and committee members to help ensure that IRATA continues to set the global benchmark for safety, competence, and best practice in training.

This is a highly technical position shaping the future of training for the sole global authority on rope access.

Click here to download the Training and Assessment Technical Officer Job Description

How to Apply

Please submit a comprehensive CV with a covering email to [email protected]. In the subject line of your submission, state “Training and Assessment Technical Officer.”

The covering email should state:

  • Your reasons for applying
  • What you would bring to IRATA with specific reference to the role
  • Current notice provisions and salary expectations

Please note that we review applications as we receive them, and we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.

IRATA Equipment and Standards Technical Officer

Join IRATA International as our Equipment and Standards Technical Officer

Location: Ashford, UK (Head Office)

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Do you possess deep technical knowledge of rope access equipment and standards? IRATA International, the world’s leading authority in industrial rope access, is looking for an Equipment and Standards Technical Officer to serve as the vital connection between our Equipment and Standards Committee and global operations.

This is a specialist technical role where you will:

  • Serve as the primary liaison between the Equipment and Standards Committee (ESC) and IRATA Head Office, facilitating seamless information flow and coordination.
  • Collaborate closely with the ESC Chair to orchestrate committee meetings, from agenda development and venue coordination to materials distribution, minute-taking, and action tracking.
  • Communicate IRATA policies and decisions relating to equipment and standards across the global network.
  • Deliver comprehensive reports on equipment developments, standards evolution, and emerging risks to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Direct and manage ESC projects and working groups, ensuring timely completion aligned with organisational objectives.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive standards libraries and technical resources for member organisations.
  • Build strategic relationships with associate members and industry partners to stay current with technological advances and market developments.
  • Represent IRATA on relevant standards committees and industry forums, enhancing our professional standing and influence.

What we are looking for:

  • Strong understanding of standards and equipment relating to industrial rope access.
  • Proven ability to create and collate industry-related technical guidance and documentation.
  • Experience providing training, coaching, mentoring, or consultancy regarding rope access equipment and standards.
  • Exceptional organisational skills with demonstrated experience working with professional committees.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
  • IRATA rope access qualification or equivalent expert industry knowledge.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • GCSE English and Maths Grade 5 or above (or international equivalent).

Personal attributes we seek:

  • Strong command of English; additional languages advantageous.
  • Confidence in presenting to diverse professional audiences.
  • Self-motivated and disciplined approach with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships across all organisational levels.
  • Commitment to representing IRATA professionally in all interactions.
  • Flexibility regarding working hours and travel requirements.

Why choose IRATA?

This role offers the opportunity to influence equipment standards and safety protocols that protect workers worldwide. You’ll collaborate with industry experts, equipment manufacturers, and standards bodies, ensuring IRATA maintains its position at the forefront of technical innovation and safety excellence.

If you combine technical expertise with strong relationship-building skills and want to shape the future of rope access equipment standards, we encourage your application.

Apply today and help define tomorrow’s safety standards.

Click here to download the Equipment and Standards Job Description

How to apply

Please submit a comprehensive CV with a covering email to [email protected]. In the subject line of your submission state “Equipment and Standards Technical Officer”

The covering email should state:

  • Your reasons for applying
  • What you think you would bring to IRATA with specific reference to the role details
  • Current notice provisions and salary expectations

Please note we review applications as we receive them and encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Due to the high number of applications, we can only respond to successful candidates. If you have not received a response within four weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.