Certification Manager

Job Description: Certification Manager

South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) 

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Position Type: Full-Time 

Summary:

The Certification Manager plays a key leadership role within the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency, directly supporting the Executive Director and, at times, reporting to executive leadership. In this capacity, the Certification Manager manages staff and oversees the certification process for businesses seeking certification from the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA). This includes supervising certification specialists and ensuring consistency and high standards in application reviews, interviews, site visits, and compliance verification. The Certification Manager also performs public outreach by representing SCTRCA at industry events and meetings, maintaining records, updating policies and procedures, and supporting executive leadership in strategic initiatives and decision-making.  The Certification Manager will also represent the SCTRCA as the designated Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) member.

About the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

The South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation that represents several public entities in the South Texas area. These entities are committed to enhancing participation for Disadvantaged, Small, Minority, and Woman-owned businesses in public/government contracting and purchasing activities.

The SCTRCA is committed to ensuring that only firms meeting the eligibility criteria of 49 CFR Part 26 and Part 23 (Airport Concessions) participate in contracting and procurement opportunities as Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). A Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) are certified.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the certification process, aligning with the agency's overarching goals and objectives.
• Provide strong leadership to the certification team, inspiring a shared commitment to excellence and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term plans and strategies for advancing the agency's certification program.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of certification specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and recognize achievements to motivate and empower team members.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of the certification team.

Ethical Leadership and Training

• Establish and enforce ethical guidelines and standards of conduct for certification specialists, ensuring compliance with agency policies and industry best practices.
• Provide ongoing training and education to certification specialists on ethical behavior, conflict resolution, and decision-making processes.
• Investigate allegations of ethical misconduct or conflicts of interest and take appropriate corrective action in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement robust certification policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices in certification to inform policy development and improve program effectiveness.
• Work closely with legal counsel and regulatory authorities to ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations governing certification activities.

Outreach and Certification Workshops

• Lead presentations and workshops at outreach events, industry forums, and certification seminars to educate prospective applicants on the SCTRCA certification process.
• Provide comprehensive guidance and support to applicants on navigating the certification requirements specific to the SCTRCA.
• Educate applicants on the additional opportunities available through federal certifications.
• Collaborate with community organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies to host and promote certification workshops in targeted areas.
• Tailor presentations and workshop materials to address the needs and concerns of diverse audiences, including minority-owned, woman-owned, and disadvantaged businesses.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive quality assurance program to ensure the certification process's accuracy, consistency, and fairness.
• Develop and implement standardized procedures and checklists for reviewing certification applications and supporting documentation.
• Conduct regular audits and quality control checks to assess compliance with SCTRCA standards and regulatory requirements.
• Identify areas for process improvement and recommend corrective actions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor performance metrics and outcomes to measure the effectiveness of quality assurance efforts and identify areas for further improvement
• ACDBE/DBE Intents and Decertification Applications
  • Ensure they are compliant with the federal regulations.
  • Review and validate to ensure adherence to federal regulations and guidelines.
  • Conduct on-site interviews to ensure compliance with SCTRCA and Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Perform on-site visits for vendors certified for more than five years in accordance with established procedures.
  • Collaborate with the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) to ensure alignment and consistency in on-site interview processes for applicants

Certification Process Management

• Oversee the review and evaluation of new and renewal certification applications submitted by businesses seeking SMWBE/DBE/ACDBE certification.
• Review and evaluate complex certification applications involving unique business structures, ownership arrangements, or eligibility challenges.
• Ensure that certification applications are processed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with SCTRCA certification procedures and Federal certification requirements, 49 CFR Part 23 and 26.
• Conduct thorough reviews of documentation, site visits, and interviews as necessary to verify the eligibility of applicants.
• Resolve complex certification issues and provide guidance to certification specialists on difficult cases.

Additional Responsibilities for SCTRCA Certification Manager

• Certification Appeals Process
  • Manage the SCTRCA certification appeals process for certifications, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to established procedures.
  • Serve as the Lead for certification appeals, reviewing appeals submissions, conducting hearings, and rendering decisions in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with legal counsel and regulatory authorities to address complex appeals cases and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Provide guidance and support to certification specialists and applicants involved in the appeals process, addressing inquiries and facilitating dispute resolution.
  • Maintain accurate records of appeals proceedings, decisions, and outcomes, and provide regular reports to senior management and governing bodies as required.
• Additional duties as assigned Executive Director and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, or a related field or a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in certification, procurement, or a closely related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience facilitating DBE/ACDBE federal certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of the principles and practices of business certification, including financial analysis.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in business.

Applicant Information

• Applicants selected for employment with the SCTRCA in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  A physical, motor vehicle record evaluation and additional background checks may be conducted if required for the position.
• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must be able to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items, walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to conduct outreach or site visits.

Salary & Benefits

• Exempt $83,500/annual
• Onsite, San Antonio, TX
• 8 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday
• Medical

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency is an equal-opportunity Employer. The company is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin color, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Texas Accessibility Standards, the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency provides reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the Agency. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. Please contact Sheena Thomas, Acting Agency Director, if reasonable accommodation is needed, at sthomas@sctrca.org or 210-458-3225.

Lengo Strategic Partners, LLC (LSP) is the agency management consultant responsible for hiring all positions for our client South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA).

Salary : $83,500