External QMR — Your Quality Management On Call
An external QMR takes responsibility for your management system — without forcing you to build internal headcount. Sternberg Consulting offers this role for ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, 13485, 45001 and 42001 — with clear deliverables, fair flat rates and personal delivery.
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What does an external QMR do?
The Quality Management Representative (QMR) is a central role under most ISO standards. They oversee the management system, coordinate internal audits, prepare the management review and ensure the processes stay effective.
Small and medium enterprises often lack someone with enough time and qualification for this role. An external QMR closes the gap — as a regularly available expert without building internal headcount.
I take on the role for your ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, 13485, 45001 or 42001 — individually or as an integrated management system. The role is formally appointed and fully traceable to certifiers.
Request a Free Consultation
I'll get back to you within 24 hours — no obligation, personal response.
Thank you!
I'll get back to you personally within 24 hours.
- ✓No obligation
- ✓BAFA funding may apply
- ✓Response within 24 hours
Personal delivery — from kickoff to audit.
I am Jonathan Sternberg, a certified ISO consultant and auditor. Every engagement is personally delivered by me — no junior team, no subcontractors.
My approach is remote-first and nationwide. You get clear communication, firm deadlines and a management system your team actually uses.
My verifiable lead auditor credentials: CQI IRCA PR328 (ISO 9001), ULN 606399, Course ID 1792 and CQI IRCA PR357 (ISO 45001), ULN 606399, Course ID 1885.
For certification projects, I coordinate with certification bodies operating under DAkkS, UKAS and ANAB accredited providers.
- ✓IRCA-recognised lead auditor courses: PR328 (ISO 9001) and PR357 (ISO 45001)
- ✓Works with accredited certification bodies, including DAkkS-, UKAS- and ANAB-accredited providers
- ✓100 % first-audit success rate
- ✓Based in Saxony, available nationwide
When does an external QMR make sense?
SMEs without an internal QM team
Up to around 100 employees it rarely pays to hire a full QMR internally. External support is significantly more economical.
After certification
Many companies underestimate the ongoing maintenance effort. An external QMR prevents the system from falling asleep after certification.
During holidays or absence
An external QMR can also step in temporarily when the internal role holder is unavailable.
Multiple management systems
If you maintain several ISO standards in parallel, an integrated external QMR is more efficient than multiple internal roles.
How I work as your external QMR
From your first question to the certificate on the wall — and beyond.
Onboarding
Getting up to speed on your management system: processes, documentation, open items, upcoming audits. Takes 1–2 weeks.
Monthly check-in
Status call with leadership. Open items, actions, dates — clear and documented.
Internal audits
Annual audit plan and execution of internal audits by me or under my direction.
Management review
Prepare and run the annual management review with every required metric.
Audit preparation & support
Intensive preparation before each external audit. I am personally present during the audit itself.
Continuous improvement
Metrics, complaints, improvement opportunities — I keep the system alive between audits.
Why an external QMR makes sense
No salary costs
An internal QMR costs €60,000–€90,000 per year. External support starts at €6,000 per year.
Available expertise
I know current standard requirements and audit trends — an internal QMR often loses track.
Objectivity
An external view finds gaps and improvements that internal staff miss.
Audit-proof
Certifiers accept external QMRs without restriction — the role is clearly documented.
Scalable
Start with a few hours per month and scale as needed. No long notice periods.
Personal delivery
No rotating contact — I personally run every engagement end to end.
Up to 80 % of consulting costs reimbursed.
BAFA subsidises SME consulting via the "Förderung unternehmerischen Know-hows" programme. I handle the entire application.
"Energy and results convinced us. From first contact to Stage 2 audit in six weeks — only possible because Jonathan began the work even before the contract was signed."
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Common questions.
How many hours per month do I need?
For an SME with one certified management system, 4 to 10 hours per month is typical. For several parallel systems (e.g. ISO 9001 + 14001 + 45001), 10 to 16 hours.
How much does an external QMR cost?
Monthly retainers start at €400 for a simple ISO 9001 system. An integrated HSQE system typically costs €900–€1,500 per month. Exact pricing after a needs assessment.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes. The engagement is cancellable with 3 months notice — no minimum term, no hidden fees.
Do certifiers accept external QMRs?
Yes, without restriction. ISO standards do not require an internal appointment. What matters is a formal written appointment and clear responsibilities — both are part of the engagement.
Which ISO standards do you cover?
ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, 13485, 45001 and 42001 — individually or integrated. Other standards on request.
Do you work on-site or remotely?
Remote-first. Internal audits and the management review happen on-site (typically 1–2 sessions per year). Everything else runs remotely — saving time and travel costs.
What happens during an audit?
I prepare the audit fully, am personally present during the audit and coordinate follow-up. You have to do nothing.
Let's talk.
Tell me where you stand and what you need. Within 24 hours you receive a first assessment and a concrete meeting proposal — free and without commitment.
- ✓Reply within 24 hours
- ✓Free first consultation, no strings attached
- ✓BAFA funding eligibility checked for you
Thank you!
Your enquiry has been received. You'll hear back from me personally within 24 hours.