Project Manager QAI

Project Manager QAI

The Project Manager QAI manages a portfolio of organic certification projects across North America, Mexico, and the EU for QAI, an accredited organic certifier. The role coordinates the end-to-end certification workflow from application through decision and annual updates, serves as the primary client contact, maintains audit ready documentation, and ensures timely, accurate progression of project milestones in accordance with applicable program and accreditation requirements.

This role operates within a highly collaborative project management team, requiring close coordination, shared workload balancing, and ongoing communication to ensure consistent service delivery and team success.

• Manage certification projects from intake through decision and renewal, including document readiness, inspection scheduling, post inspection follow up, and project closure
• Oversee the completeness and accuracy of each client's Organic System Plan to support inspection and review requirements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, explaining certification steps, clarifying documentation needs, providing status updates, and coordinating corrective actions to closure
• Coordinate activities with Technical Review, Inspection Scheduling, Operations, Sales, Accounting, and fellow Project Managers to ensure timely, accurate progression through each stage of the certification process
• Work closely with fellow Project Managers to coordinate workloads, share coverage, align priorities, and support collective delivery goals within a team-based operating model
• Maintain project schedules, dependencies, and risk and issue logs; escalate obstacles early and keep stakeholders informed
• Advance department and company revenue goals by sequencing work to meet billing timelines, aligning stakeholders to protect on time completion and invoicing, supporting pricing discipline, and helping prevent revenue leakage
• Support client retention by maintaining predictable communication, closing the loop on feedback, and resolving complaints within expected time frames
• Meet turnaround time expectations by managing capacity proactively and reallocating work as needed to keep projects moving
• Maintain complete, accurate, audit ready project files and system records in alignment with accreditation and internal quality expectations; provide documentation and process explanations for internal and external audits
• Collaborate with sales team to identify NSF cross-program opportunities and capture qualified leads that support company growth objectives
• Participate in continuous improvement and change initiatives that simplify workflows, improve documentation quality and data accuracy, reduce cycle time, and strengthen the client experience
• Actively share knowledge and provide day-to-day support to colleagues, contributing to consistent practices, cross-coverage, and a close-knit, collaborative project management team culture

• Foundational knowledge of the organic industry is required, including a general understanding of organic principles and what organic certification represents
• Demonstrated interest for the organic industry (through education, personal interest, or professional exposure)
• Prior experience in organic certification, food, or a regulated environment preferred
• Two or more years of account management, client management, or project management
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with strong planning, organization, communication, and stakeholder coordination
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical requirements into practical client guidance
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications
• Candidates should already be familiar with the concept of organic certification and have a genuine interest in the organic industry

Salary Range: $49,000 - $108,000

The total pay range takes into account a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skills; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed pay range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

At NSF, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the pay range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we…