What are the Requirements for Management Representative?

[jmp4429]

I did a search on this already, but didn’t really find anything that answers my question. What are the requirements for a management rep? According to the standard, the management rep must be a “member of management.” How exactly do we define management? At my old job, all engineers were considered management (as was anyone else who wasn't part of the union).

I ask because in the past, the manager of my department has run the TS program and been the management rep. Our quality manual states that the manager of my department is the MR. However, we've gotten a new department manager, and I was recently hired on as the “TS Guru” and now run the system.

As it stands, I present to top management during our management reviews, I run the program, and I find and communicate the issues that need to be fixed. Basically, my manager has a rough idea what’s going on with the QMS based on how much I tell him (not that I hide things, I just don't have to ask permission to use the ladies room or change a procedure). I don’t exactly have the “authority” to ensure the QMS is followed, but then again, neither does my boss. However, I can shout loud enough that the people who can make stuff happen get done what I need done.

Technically, I perform the duties of the management rep, but don’t have the title. I couldn’t care less about having the title, but my concern is that during our external audit, the auditor will ask my boss questions about the system that he can’t answer, and he’ll refer them to me. Is this a problem?

 

[Jim Wynne]

Because the standard provides no definition of "member of management," the door is open to circular logic: the management representative must be a member of management, and being management representative qualifies one as being a member of management. In answer to your question, if your boss can't answer questions directly, but knows how to find the answers, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[qualitygoddess - 2010]

Technically, I perform the duties of the management rep, but don’t have the title. I couldn’t care less about having the title, but my concern is that during our external audit, the auditor will ask my boss questions about the system that he can’t answer, and he’ll refer them to me. Is this a problem?

I don't see this as a problem. I suggest that you thoroughly brief your boss before audit time, so he knows what's going on with the system -- problem areas, open corrective/preventive actions, significant changes (in case he forgot) to procedures and processes.

Good luck!

--Jodi

 

[Howard Atkins]

Management refers to the type of work you do- i.e. managerial it does not mean that you actually have to be a member of management as long as you can fulfil the requirements.
According to the ISO interpretations here
https://www.tc176.org/Interpre.asp
Clause 5.5.2 - RFI-027 Posted 2003-01-31

ISO 9001:2000 Interpretation Reference RFI – 027
ISO/TC 176 N752
Request: ISO 9001:2000 Clause(s 5.5.2
In our organization we have a management representative appointed by top management, who
works for the company in a managerial capacity. He is not a permanent member of staff, but
works full-time on a contract basis. Is it allowable under the standard, for such a person to act
as the organization’s management representative?
Interpretation: Yes

There is no reason that this should not apply to TS and I have in fact used it successfully during a TS audit.