A Lead Auditor is a professional who is trained and qualified to conduct
audits of an organization’s management systems to ensure that they meet
the requirements of a specific standard, such as ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or
SOC 2. The role of a Lead Auditor is to plan, execute, and report on the
results of an audit, and to provide recommendations for improvement to
the organization.
To become a Lead Auditor, an individual typically needs to meet certain
qualifications, such as having a certain amount of work experience in the
field related to the standard, completing an approved lead auditor training
course, and passing an examination.
During an audit, a Lead Auditor will review an organization’s
documentation and procedures, interview employees, and observe
operations to evaluate the organization’s compliance with the standard.
After the audit is complete, the Lead Auditor will provide the organization
with a report detailing the findings and any non-conformances or areas for
improvement.
The Lead Auditor plays a crucial role in ensuring that organizations are
compliant with the standard and that their management systems are
effective in achieving their objectives. The Lead Auditors also help
organizations to continuously improve their performance and decision
making by reducing uncertainty, minimizing risks and maximizing
opportunities.