Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) vision is for the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. An international, non-profit organisation operating the most globally recognised standard for sustainable fishing in use today, the MSC has established itself on the world stage: in 20 years, the MSC has achieved a truly global presence, affecting positive, ecological change in oceans and providing certified, sustainable, seafood in more than 100 countries, from fisheries operating around all continents.

Underpinning and integral to the MSC work and its ecolabel programme are the standards which it sets and maintains: the Fisheries Standard and the Chain of Custody Standards. The Assurance Director performs a critical role within the Science and Standards team, responsible for the development and maintenance of all MSC Standard-related assurance mechanisms.

Reporting to the Chief Science & Standards Officer, the Assurance Director leads the team responsible for ensuring that MSC standards and internal and external systems meet the requirements of international norms, are internationally recognised as being best in class, and that the third-party certification and the accreditation system run smoothly and effectively. The scope of the role includes an innovation remit to oversee the development of and assurance models for novel extensions of the MSC program, including expanding the social policy assurance components to the MSC’s program and exploration of potential carbon-related assurance mechanisms.

The successful candidate will bring good knowledge of standard setting systems, international norms, and requirements relevant to standard setters using third party certification and accreditation systems. With a strategic and agile mindset, they will be able to horizon scan and identify ways to reinforce the credibility of MSC. They will be a capable leader with strong interpersonal skills and experience of managing and motivating diverse teams. An effective communicator, they will be adept at building relationships inside and outside the organisation with a range of stakeholders.   An empathy and interest in the MSC’s mission and objectives is critical.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Marine Stewardship Council on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QMSN1. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 31 May 2022.