Management System Auditor

Houston, United States | Posted on 07/20/2026

Kerndell delivers expert technical staffing, staff augmentation, auditing, and quality assurance for the oil, gas & energy sector.

Kerndell is seeking an experienced Management Systems Lead Auditor to support audits for clients across the energy, manufacturing, industrial, and related sectors.

In this contract role, you will plan and lead first-party and second-party audits against recognized management system standards. Relevant standards may include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, API Q1, API Q2, and other industry-specific management system requirements.

You do not need to be qualified in every standard listed. We are interested in auditors who have strong experience in one or more management system standards and can lead professional, practical, and well-organized client audits.

• Plan and lead first-party internal audits and second-party audits of suppliers and other external organizations
• Work with clients to understand the audit scope, objectives, criteria, schedule, and reporting requirements
• Review management system manuals, procedures, records, and supporting documentation before and during audits
• Prepare audit plans, checklists, agendas, and other materials needed to complete each assignment
• Interview employees, observe activities, and review records to determine whether management system requirements are effectively implemented
• Evaluate compliance with applicable standards, client procedures, contractual requirements, and other established audit criteria
• Identify audit findings based on clear and objective evidence
• Distinguish between conformities, nonconformities, observations, and opportunities for improvement
• Lead opening and closing meetings with client representatives
• Clearly communicate audit findings to operational teams, management, and executive leadership
• Prepare accurate, organized, and professional audit reports
• Review corrective action responses and supporting evidence when follow-up activities are included in the assignment
• Maintain audit records and client information in accordance with Kerndell’s confidentiality and document-control requirements
• Coordinate with the Kerndell team throughout audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up
• Represent Kerndell professionally while working at client and supplier locations

• At least 3 years of management system auditing experience
• Current Lead Auditor certification for at least one recognized management system standard
• Auditing experience in one or more of the following:
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 45000
  • API Specification Q1
  • API Specification Q2
  • Another recognized management system standard
• Experience independently planning, conducting, and reporting on management system audits
• Strong understanding of process-based auditing, risk‑based thinking, corrective action, and continual improvement
• Ability to compare documented requirements with actual operational practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience preparing professional audit reports
• Good judgment, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and complete audit deliverables on schedule
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information appropriately
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, business, environmental science, occupational safety, management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent auditing and industry experience will also be considered