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Lead Auditor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Auditor is the primary interface with the client before and during the process of all auditing activities. * Lead Auditor will help train low graded auditors through witness audits ...

The Lead Auditor is the primary interface with the client before and during the process of all auditing activities. * Lead Auditor will help train low graded auditors through witness audits ...

Supplier QA Auditor

Covert, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Lead Auditor Certification * Previous NUPIC auditor training a plus * ANSI/ASME N45.2.23-1978 certification A Generation Ahead by Design Investing in people who power the future. We believe great ...

Certification as IOS Lead Auditor is required. * Responsible to support training and work in the different plant departments and teams, providing coaching on YF IOS, IATF 16949 and other requirements ...

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Lead Auditor information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$89.7K

$128.1K

How much do lead auditor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead auditor in Michigan is $89,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead auditor?

A lead auditor is in charge of a company’s team of internal quality auditors. This job involves auditing the company to ensure its operations and employees comply with regulations, quality standards, and other relevant criteria. In this career, you assist your team in this process and provide documentation that summarizes the company's performance. You may also suggest areas for improvement. Your duties include scheduling audits and creating a framework for expedient auditing.

How does a lead auditor typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during an audit engagement?

As a Lead Auditor, you will frequently coordinate with professionals across departments such as finance, operations, compliance, and IT to gather information, clarify processes, and verify controls. Effective collaboration involves facilitating meetings, communicating audit objectives, and addressing questions or concerns from team members. Building strong relationships and maintaining transparent communication are critical to ensuring audit findings are accurate and actionable, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead auditor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Auditor, you need expertise in auditing standards, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and professional certifications like CIA or CPA. Familiarity with audit management software, data analytics tools, and relevant compliance systems is crucial. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding Lead Auditors apart. These skills ensure accurate audits, foster team efficiency, and support organizational integrity and risk management.

What is the difference between Lead Auditor vs Internal Auditor?

AspectLead AuditorInternal Auditor
CertificationsISO 9001 Lead Auditor, ISO 14001 Lead AuditorISO 9001 Internal Auditor, ISO 14001 Internal Auditor
Work EnvironmentConducts external or third-party audits, often for certification bodiesPerforms internal audits within an organization to ensure compliance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by certification bodies, consulting firms, and organizations seeking external validation

In summary, Lead Auditors typically hold external certification roles, conducting formal audits for certification purposes, while Internal Auditors focus on internal compliance and improvement within their organization. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and work environment.

How much do lead auditors earn?

Lead auditors typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certified lead auditors with specialized skills and extensive experience can earn higher salaries, especially in regulated sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, or environmental management.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Auditor jobs in MI?

For Lead Auditor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Auditor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,675 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Independent Contractor - IATF 3rd-Party Automotive (East Coast) Lead Auditor

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description


We are currently seeking an Independent Contractor 3rd-Party IATF Automotive Lead Auditor (East Coast) to conduct third-party audits for our Automotive clients. As the 3rd-Party IATF Lead Auditor, you will be responsible for delivering third-party audits and related services to customers in accordance with assigned standards and applicable registration program requirements. You will also build professional relationships with NSF clients and effectively communicate with both external clients and internal NSF team members.
#LI-EA1
Responsibilities
  • Plan and conduct all assessment activities, including documentation reviews (desk audits), preliminary assessments (baseline audits), on-site readiness reviews, registration reassessment, and surveillance audits
  • Lead the audit team and ensure the successful completion of assigned projects
  • Review and forward audit reports, client responses to audit nonconformities, and any other necessary technical documentation
  • Maintain appropriate auditor credentials

Qualifications
  • International Automotive Task Force (IATF) certification (Green Status in ADP) with corresponding ID Number 6-ADP xx-xx-xxxx
  • A university degree in a field such as science, engineering, technology, manufacturing, or a related area
  • Lead Auditor Certificates and Audit Logs in applicable standards
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, effective in relating to clients and staff
  • Strong writing, reading, and oral communication skills
  • Capable of working effectively both in team environments and independently
  • Ability to organize and write quality system assessment reports
  • Willingness and ability to work independently and travel up to 100%
  • Meet the Lead Auditor qualifications described in the latest version of ISO 19011
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience performing global regulatory compliance audits to TS/IATF 16949

Physical Demands:
  • Required to walk, stand, and sit for long periods of times
  • Moderate physical effort is necessary (ability to move up to 50 pounds from one area to another with assistance
  • Extensive travel by plane or car required

About Us
With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.
One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.
Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.
NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
About the Team
NSF provides a holistic suite of value-added digital, information security and sustainability solutions that span our core industries of food, water and life sciences. Our client-focused teams have deep industry expertise and are committed to supporting the journey to certification, helping to empower organizations to drive process and performance improvements for products, people, and the planet.