Join UKAS as our Technical Director – Shape the Future of Accreditation

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is seeking a Technical Director to lead our technical strategy and ensure continued excellence in quality and compliance. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this is anexciting opportunity to make an impact within a world-leading accreditation body.

About UKAS

UKAS is the UK government’s appointed body for accrediting organisations that deliver certification, testing, inspection, calibration, validation and verification services. Our work underpins trust in key sectors across the economy – from healthcare to construction, energy to food safety.

The Role

As Technical Director, you will set and steer the direction of UKAS’s technical policies, ensuring integrity, consistency, and continuous improvement across our operations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our response to emerging trends, managing technical risk, and championing quality assurance across the business.

This is a strategic leadership position that offers real influence, both internally across our teams and externally with national and international stakeholders.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll lead on critical areas such as:

• Shaping and implementing UKAS’s technical and quality strategy
• Overseeing governance frameworks to uphold compliance and competence
• Providing technical subject matter expertise and horizon scanning
• Driving innovation in response to evolving industry and regulatory needs
• Managing risk, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Representing UKAS in high-level stakeholder engagement across sectors
• Leading and developing a team of experienced technical professionals

As a member of the Executive Team, you’ll also contribute directly to UKAS’s corporate strategy, business planning, and key decision-making.

Who We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for a senior technical leader with:

• Deep expertise and credibility in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector
• A proven ability to lead at an executive level, navigating the needs of both internal teams and external stakeholders
• A strategic mindset and the communication skills to drive complex, cross-functional initiatives

Location & Working Arrangements

This role can be based remotely or from our Staines Head Office. Regular in-person engagement at the office and with stakeholderswill be required.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Fostering a Culture of Belonging

UKAS is proud to be the United Kingdom’s sole Accreditation Body. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. UKAS is committed to promoting a culture of belonging and values the differences and uniqueness that everyone brings to the organisation.

We welcome candidates across all types of backgrounds, circumstances, and identities to support our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitments.

Technical Director - Job Description