Halal Lead Auditor – Freelance

About the role

SGS is seeking a qualified Halal Lead Auditor on a freelance basis. The successful candidate will bring industry experience, Halal qualifications, and practical audit expertise to assess compliance across relevant product categories.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and manage audits on a freelance basis effectively.
• Apply audit principles, procedures and techniques.
• Collect and verify audit evidence through interviews, observation and document review.
• Assess compliance with applicable Halal standards, regulations and legal requirements.
• Identify and evaluate audit findings and conclusions.
• Prepare clear and accurate audit reports.
• Conduct audits within the agreed timeframe.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of audit information.
• Understand the organization’s processes and operational context.
• Apply appropriate sampling techniques during audits.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the product/service categories relevant to Halal certification audits, in line with UAE S 2055‑2 and GSO S 2055‑2.
• At least 2 years of experience in Halal auditing based on GSO 2055 requirements, supported by audit records.
• Within the last 3 years, completed at least 12 audit days across a minimum of 4 premises under supervision of a qualified auditor.
• Practical experience in Food & Beverage and/or food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of GSO/UAE 2055 Halal Lead Auditor requirements and standards.
• Familiarity with audit principles and techniques based on ISO 19011.
• Understanding of Food Safety Management System standards such as ISO 22000.

Required skills

• Halal auditing (including GSO UAE 2055 standards).
• ISO 19011 audit principles and techniques.
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standards.