Certification Team Leader- Crop/Livestock

MOSA•Viroqua, WI

7d•$66,200 - $77,000•Remote

About The Position

The Certification Team Leader provides leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for a designated Certification Team (Crop, Crop/Livestock, or Handler). The primary responsibility of this position is to develop, support, and manage the Certification team members to ensure high-quality certification review services, exceptional client service, and compliance with the National Organic Standards. This position is responsible for staff performance, training, workflow management, and team development while maintaining sufficient technical expertise to support certification activities and organizational goals.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff
Demonstrated experience managing employee performance, workload distribution, and staff development
Practical experience required, including a minimum of three years of experience and/or education in agriculture, food processing, and/or equivalent organic industry experience
Minimum of three years of experience in National Organic Program regulatory oversight is required
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff
Strong supervisory, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to build trust, foster accountability, and create a positive team culture
Ability to prioritize work, manage competing demands, and delegate effectively
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments
Strong organizational and administrative skills
Proficient with Google Suite, word processing, databases, and internet research
Ability to spend long periods of time working on a computer
Occasional travel to industry events
Ability to traverse uneven terrain at inspections
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently to and from inspections
Work in outdoor weather conditions and around all species of livestock

Nice To Haves

Project management experience preferred
Experience managing remote teams preferred

Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support to the Certification Team
Participates in the recruitment, training, and onboarding of the Certification Team
Identifies, plans, facilitates, and documents continuing education training for certification staff as needed and required by the National Organic Standards
Establishes performance expectations and holds team members accountable for achieving quality, productivity, and service goals.
Provides constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations of direct reports
Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to support employee development and engagement
Responsible for the workflow of the Certification Review Teams
Fosters a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture
Resolves personnel and workflow issues in a timely and professional manner
Enforces personnel policies and rules consistently and in collaboration with Human Resources.
Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with MOSA policy and in collaboration with HR
Provides excellent service to all stakeholders, including staff, inspectors, clients, and consumers.
Maintains certification review competency by participating in certification review activities as needed to support team production and operational demands
Supports the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of MOSA's certification program:
Analyzes internal systems and processes to ensure compliance with industry regulations and accreditation requirements
Identifies operational risks and recommends strategies to improve consistency, efficiency, and program integrity
Participates in internal audits, accreditation audits, and regulatory reviews
Communicates emerging issues, trends, and recommendations related to the certification policies, procedures, and program operations and/or development related to certification policies, as needed or as required
Supports the development, revision, and implementation of databases, systems, Organic System Plans (OSPs), certification forms, policies, and related program documents
Collaborates with other departments to advance organizational goals and continuous improvement initiatives
Continue annual education to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the National Organic Program, National Organic Standards, the National List, Certification Department Policy Manual, and other MOSA verifications or certifications
Maintains a comprehensive understanding of MOSA’s policies and procedures as outlined in MOSA’s Program Manual, Employee Manual, and MOSA’s Mission, Vision, and Values
Maintains familiarity with current issues affecting the organic industry
Participates in Working Groups and/or ad hoc groups as needed or directed
Undertakes any other tasks or duties needed or as assigned
Conduct inspections as needed to support certification operations
Must meet MOSA inspector qualification and travel requirements as noted in the Inspector job description