Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance

The Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance at Fluence is responsible for ensuring that all products meet regulatory standards throughout their development lifecycle. This includes developing compliance strategies for new products, managing testing and certification processes, and ensuring that all products are compliant before launch. Additionally, this role involves cross-functional collaboration to integrate regulatory requirements into the product strategy effectively.

Fluence requires candidates for the Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance role to have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Management, or a related field, with an advanced degree preferred. Furthermore, candidates should have over 8 years of experience in product certification and regulatory compliance, particularly in the technology or manufacturing sectors, along with a strong understanding of global certification standards.

At Fluence, the Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance will work closely with product development and engineering teams from the early design phase to ensure that regulatory compliance is an integral part of the product development process. This collaboration ensures that compliance and certification requirements are met throughout the product lifecycle, from design to manufacturing.

To excel as the Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance at Fluence, candidates need strong project management skills, excellent communication abilities, and a keen attention to detail. Experience in leading teams, along with the capability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable tasks, is also crucial for driving continuous improvement and achieving compliance goals.

Fluence promotes a culture where every voice matters, emphasizing openness and collaboration. The Sr. Manager, Certification and Compliance will lead a team of specialists and is expected to foster an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation. This role is about teamwork, guidance, and mentoring, ensuring that compliance is integrated into the company’s vision and practices.

To stay updated with regulatory changes, I regularly engage with industry publications, attend relevant workshops and webinars, and maintain professional networks with other compliance experts. I make it a priority to subscribe to alerts and updates from regulatory bodies to ensure that I'm aware of any changes that could impact our product certification processes.

Certainly! In my previous role, we encountered a significant compliance hurdle with a product intended for international markets. I led a cross-functional team to analyze the requirements for each target market, coordinated with external testing labs to manage certifications, and navigated complex regulatory landscapes. We successfully redesigned the product to align with the requirements, which not only resolved the issue but also resulted in a more robust product.

I utilize project management tools to track progress and deadlines for multiple certifications concurrently. I prioritize tasks based on regulatory deadlines and coordinate with various teams to ensure alignment. Regular check-ins and updates ensure that all parties are aware of timelines and responsibilities, which helps mitigate risks and ensures that we successfully meet all compliance requirements.

I believe in the importance of proactive collaboration. From the initial design phase, I work with product teams to identify compliance requirements specific to our products. This includes implementing training sessions and feedback loops throughout the development process to ensure compliance is consistently considered and integrated into product design and testing.

In situations where there is pushback, I focus on effective communication and collaboration. I work to understand their concerns and provide clear insights into the regulatory requirements. By demonstrating how compliance not only ensures safety and market access but also supports the efficacy of the product, I aim to foster a collaborative mindset where compliance is seen as a key part of the product development success.

Documentation is absolutely critical in compliance roles. It serves as a record of our procedures, tests, and certifications, providing a clear trail for regulatory audits. I ensure that all technical files, user manuals, and related documentation are meticulously maintained and updated to meet certification and regulatory standards, which is vital for transparent communication with regulatory bodies.

I find that utilizing compliance management software, such as project management tools, document comparison tools, and regulatory tracking databases, significantly enhances our efficiency. These tools help streamline processes, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure all team members are on the same page regarding compliance updates and requirements.

When faced with tight deadlines, I assess each task's urgency and importance based on compliance timelines and product launch dates. I prioritize tasks that directly impact our ability to launch products and delegate when necessary while ensuring that my team is fully supported. Clear communication about expectations and deadlines with all stakeholders is key to accomplishing our goals.

I prioritize creating an open, collaborative, and supportive environment where team members feel valued and heard. Regularly recognizing accomplishments, providing opportunities for professional development, and involving the team in decision-making processes can keep motivations high. I also encourage innovation by allowing team members to propose procedural improvements that can enhance our compliance efforts.

My extensive background in regulatory compliance and product certification has provided me with the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary for this role. I thrive in collaborative environments like Fluence and am passionate about energy storage solutions. Additionally, my proactive approach to identifying compliance risks and developing solutions aligns well with Fluence's culture of innovation and responsibility.