ISO 17025 Quality Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Own and maintain the ISO 17025 quality management system
- Plan and run internal audits and follow up on corrective actions
- Lead management reviews and track quality objectives
- Manage nonconformities, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Oversee document control for procedures, records, and templates
- Support method validation, verification, and ongoing method performance monitoring
- Coordinate proficiency testing participation and follow up on results
- Monitor measurement traceability and calibration status of equipment
- Train staff on quality procedures and competence requirements
- Prepare for accreditation assessments and respond to assessment findings
- Partner with laboratory leadership to reduce errors and improve turnaround time
- Review customer complaints and drive preventive actions
Top Skills for Success
ISO 17025 Knowledge
Audit Management
Corrective Action Management
Root Cause Analysis
Document Control
Quality Management Systems
Risk Management
Training Program Development
Stakeholder Communication
Change Management
Data Analysis
Laboratory Operations Knowledge
Measurement Traceability
Method Validation
Proficiency Testing Management
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Quality Manager
Laboratory Quality Director
Accreditation Program Manager
Global Quality Manager
Quality Assurance Director
Transition Opportunities
Laboratory Manager
Regulatory Compliance Manager
Supplier Quality Manager
Technical Manager
Quality Systems Consultant
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Assessment Readiness PlanningMeasurement UncertaintyMethod VerificationProficiency Testing InterpretationMetrics ReportingSupplier Quality Oversight
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple audit and assessment calendar, practice writing clear corrective actions with evidence, and strengthen technical depth in measurement uncertainty and method performance monitoring. Create a small set of quality metrics that leadership reviews monthly and use them to prioritize improvements.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 75,000 to 95,000
Mid LevelUSD 95,000 to 125,000
Senior LevelUSD 125,000 to 160,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring remains strong in regulated testing, environmental labs, food testing, and industrial calibration where accreditation and audit readiness are business critical.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
SGSIntertekBureau VeritasEurofins ScientificTÜV SÜDUL SolutionsALS LimitedElement Materials TechnologyMérieux NutriSciencesA2LA Accredited Laboratories
Industry Sectors
Environmental TestingFood TestingPharmaceutical TestingMedical Device TestingChemical TestingMaterials TestingForensic TestingIndustrial CalibrationEnergy TestingConsumer Product Testing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review the latest ISO 17025 standard and map each clause to current laboratory procedures2
Create a one page audit program with scope, frequency, and reporting expectations3
Build a corrective action template that captures root cause, fix, prevention, and effectiveness check4
Develop a training matrix that links each role to competence requirements and refresher timing5
Standardize document control rules for versioning, approvals, and record retention6
Partner with technical leaders to review method validation, verification, and ongoing checks7
Prepare a ready to assess checklist for accreditation visits and run a mock assessment