Lead Internal ISO Auditor

Caterpillar•Lafayette, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the systems that drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. As the Lead Internal ISO Auditor, you will own and lead the internal audit program, ensuring effective implementation of ISO standards and quality management system requirements. You will coordinate audit activities, mentor internal auditors, drive corrective actions, and support external audit readiness. Through collaboration with quality, manufacturing, and operational teams, you will help strengthen compliance, improve process effectiveness, and foster a culture of operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience in internal auditing, quality systems, compliance, or quality management.
Basic understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Working knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
Basic understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Basic understanding and knowledge of successful approaches and techniques for dealing with change; ability to adapt to a changing environment and be comfortable with change.
Working knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Basic understanding and knowledge of Quality Management System's (QMS) functions, features, and capabilities; ability to design, implement, test, and maintain Quality Management Systems to consistently meet customer requirements and regulatory compliances.
Experience leading or conducting internal audits within a manufacturing, quality, or regulated environment.
Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), ISO 9001 requirements, and compliance auditing principles.
Experience facilitating root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple priorities, influence cross-functional teams, and communicate audit findings effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading an internal audit program, including audit planning, scheduling, execution, and follow-up activities.
Lead Auditor or Lead Assessor training/certification and experience auditing against ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 requirements.
Knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as PPAP, PFMEA, FMEA, and risk-based auditing approaches.
Experience coaching auditors, supporting external certification audits, and partnering with certification bodies or regulatory organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead the organization's Internal Audit Program, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and applicable quality management system standards.
Plan, coordinate, and maintain the annual internal audit schedule to ensure all required processes, functions, and quality system elements are assessed within established timeframes.
Lead internal audits and guide auditors through planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up activities.
Coach and develop internal auditors by providing training, mentorship, and guidance on audit methodologies, compliance requirements, and best practices.
Evaluate processes, documentation, and quality system effectiveness to identify risks, nonconformances, and opportunities for improvement.
Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action activities to address audit findings and prevent recurrence of quality system issues.
Monitor corrective actions through completion and verify effectiveness to ensure sustainable improvements.
Partner with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations teams to drive compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support external certification and surveillance audit readiness activities by assisting with audit preparation, documentation reviews, and compliance verification efforts.
Support interactions with external auditors, certification bodies, and regulatory representatives as required.
Analyze audit results, identify trends, and communicate findings and recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders.
Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization.