Senior Program Manager, Food & Beverage - U.S.

About UsWe are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.About The RoleDNV Business Assurance is seeking to fill the role of Senior Program Manager, Food & Beverage. This position can be remote from anywhere in the Continental U.S..The Senior Program Manager, Food & Beverage is accountable for the technical governance, delivery integrity, and business performance of assigned Food & Beverage certification schemes within DNV Business Assurance North America, including SQF and COSTCO programs.Serving as the primary technical authority for the Local Unit, the role ensures full alignment with DNV Global Technical Hub requirements, applicable accreditation standards (including ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065), and scheme owner expectations. The position provides strategic technical leadership across auditors, operations, sales teams, and customers, while supporting accreditation readiness, resource planning, and continuous competence development.The role holds overall accountability for the operational profitability and technical integrity of the Food & Beverage certification portfolio in North America.What You'll DoScheme and Technical GovernanceHold overall technical responsibility for all assigned Food & Beverage certification schemes within the Local Unit, including SQF and COSTCO. Act as the Local Unit focal point for interpretation and implementation of requirements issued by the Global Technical Hub, including globally managed Food & Beverage schemes such as FSSC 22000 and BRCGS. Auditor Leadership and Technical Decision-MakingProvide line management for a team of:Approximately 6 full-time auditors~25 contracted auditorsSQF technical reviewers and supporting roles (~30 resources in total)Act as a senior technical escalation point for:Interpretation of standards and scheme rulesAudit findings and technical nonconformitiesTechnical rejections and corrective action assessmentContribute to or oversee technical reviews, certification decisions, and risk evaluations, in accordance with scheme and accreditation rules.Operational, Sales, and Customer Technical SupportSupport Operations and Sales teams by providing authoritative technical guidance on:Scheme eligibility and scopeCertification pathwaysInterpretation of standards and requirementsEngage directly with customers, as needed, to provide clear, accurate technical clarification that supports confidence in DNV certification outcomes.Auditor Qualification, Competence, and DevelopmentSupport onboarding and authorization of new auditors, including:Qualification and scope approvalsScheme-specific authorization and maintenanceProvide ongoing technical coaching, guidance, and consistency support to auditors.Deliver or support annual training programs, including:Scheme and standard updatesIndustry and regulatory developmentsTechnical consistency and calibration activitiesAccreditation and External OversightSupport and participate in witness audits and oversight activities, as required.Actively support Accreditation Body assessments (e.g., ANAB), including activities related to ISO/IEC 17065.Key InterfacesGlobal Technical HubFood & Beverage Auditors (Full-time and Subcontract)Operations and Sales TeamsCustomersAccreditation Bodies (e.g., ANAB)Scheme Owners (e.g., SQF, COSTCO)What we offerGenerous paid time off (vacation, sick days, company holidays, personal days)Multiple Medical and Dental benefit plans to choose from, Vision benefitsSpending accounts – FSA, Dependent Care, Commuter Benefits, company-seeded HSAEmployer-paid, therapist-led, virtual care services 401(k) with company matchCompany provided life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability benefitsEducation reimbursement programFlexible work schedule with hybrid/remote opportunitiesCharitable Matched Giving and Volunteer Rewards through our Impact ProgramVolunteer time off (VTO) paid by the companyCareer advancement opportunitiesBenefits may vary based on position, tenure, contract, or grade level.*DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.DNV is a proud equal-opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. DNV is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability. US applicants with a physical or mental disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact the North America Recruitment Department (hrrecruitment.northamerica@dnv.com). Information received relating to accommodations will be addressed confidentiallyFor California, Washington, New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and Maryland: “DNV provides a reasonable range of compensation for this role. The actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. For the states of California, Washington, New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and Maryland only, the starting pay range for this role is $120000 - $150000 annual (USD).Deadline to apply: May 24, 2026About YouWhat Is Required:Bachelor’s degree or higher in food science, food technology, agriculture, biology, quality, or a related discipline.5 years of experience with Food & Beverage certification schemes, including SQF and customer-driven programs (e.g., COSTCO), within an accredited certification body.5 years of working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065, with demonstrated ability to apply accreditation and scheme requirements to audit planning, review, and certification decision-making.Demonstrated experience leading and managing a mixed resource model, including full-time auditors, subcontract auditors, and technical reviewers.Proven capability to act as a senior technical authority, providing sound judgment on:Interpretation of standards and scheme rulesAudit findings and nonconformitiesCorrective action evaluation and technical rejectionsCertification and risk-based decisionsStrong written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, authoritative technical guidance to internal and external stakeholdersTravel approx. 10% domestically. We conduct a pre-employment background and drug screening.*Immigration-related employment benefits, for example visa sponsorship, are not available for this position*