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.
