About the Opportunity
Based in Henderson, the Senior Quality Manager will be responsible for the leadership, governance and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS) and associated Quality Assurance frameworks across Australasia.
This role provides strategic oversight of quality control and assurance, encompassing compliance management, audit performance, non conformance management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the business. The Senior Quality Manager ensures systems, processes and controls remain compliant, audit ready, and aligned with regulatory, contractual and customer requirements.
Balancing commercial priorities with quality and compliance obligations, the role plays a critical part in embedding a strong and sustainable quality culture throughout the organisation.
The position leads and develops a high performing Quality team, including Senior Quality Assurance Advisors and a Senior Quality Assurance Auditor, driving capability uplift, consistent standards, and sustained quality performance.
About Austal
Austal is Australia’s global shipbuilder, Defence prime contractor; and maritime technology partner of choice. We design, construct, and support defence and commercial vessels for the world’s leading operators with operations spanning Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. With operations spanning multiple sites, Austal offers diverse career opportunities in trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate functions and operational delivery.
Under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, Austal is leading a new era of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia. We’re driving innovation, supporting sovereign capability, and creating long term opportunities for Australian industry and workers.
Learn more at austal.com/ssa
This is your opportunity to contribute to projects of national significance. The maritime is now.
What’s Involved
Strategic Quality Leadership:
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Develop and deliver the Quality strategy aligned to organisational objectives, driving a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement
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Maintain an effective and compliant Quality Management System (QMS) in line with relevant standards (e.g. ISO 9001)
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Provide executive level reporting on quality performance, risks, and improvement priorities
Governance & Compliance:
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Oversee the QMS framework, including documentation, document control, and system effectiveness
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Ensure audit readiness and compliance with regulatory and certification requirements across all business units
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Provide assurance that quality systems remain compliant, effective, and continuously improving
Audit & Assurance Oversight:
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Lead and monitor the internal audit program, ensuring alignment to risk and business priorities
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Oversee external audits and regulatory inspections, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement
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Review audit outcomes, trends, and systemic risks, ensuring timely closure of corrective and preventive actions
Non Conformance & Risk Management:
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Lead, coach, and develop the Quality team, including Senior QA Advisors and the Senior QA Auditor
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Establish clear performance objectives, accountability frameworks, and succession capability to strengthen quality expertise
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Foster cross functional collaboration to embed quality ownership and accountability across the business
Continuous Improvement:
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Identify process inefficiencies and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the business
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Promote data driven decision making to enhance quality performance and outcomes
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Drive cost reduction through proactive planning, waste minimisation, and process optimisation
You’ll Need
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Tertiary qualification in Quality, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline
- Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 or equivalent) or demonstrated relevant experience
- Significant experience in Quality leadership within a regulated or manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated experience leading audit programs and regulatory compliance activities
- Proven capability managing corrective action systems and driving systemic quality improvements
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and influence senior professionals and stakeholders
- Advanced knowledge of Quality Management Systems and associated frameworks
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to interpret standards, regulations, and contractual requirements
- Experience in defence, shipbuilding, oil & gas, heavy manufacturing, or similarly regulated environments (desirable)
- Experience integrating Quality within broader HSEQ frameworks (desirable)
- Experience with digital quality systems or enterprise reporting tools (desirable)
- Eligibility for a Defence Security Clearance
Why Join Us?
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Competitive compensation and benefits package.
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Professional development and training opportunities.
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A supportive and dynamic work environment.
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Opportunities for career advancement within our growing organisation.
At Austal we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all. We believe that achieving greater diversity will enhance our operations and as such we actively encourage Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, people of all backgrounds, ages, sexual orientation, and those with Disability to apply. Veterans are also encouraged to apply.
Learn more at Careers at Austal Australia | Austal: Australia
