Quality Lead

About the Role

Located in Cairns, Queensland, the Quality Lead reports directly to the Senior Quality Manager - Australasia and holds a critical leadership role in steering the strategic quality initiatives within the Business Unit. This position involves collaborating closely with business leadership and operational teams to instill a culture of quality excellence, reinforce quality governance structures, and guarantee the proper execution of quality management systems, regulatory standards, and assurance frameworks. Additionally, the Quality Lead is responsible for providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to quality team members in daily operations.

Company Overview

Austal is Australia’s premier global shipbuilder and defense prime contractor, specializing in maritime technology. We design, build, and maintain defense and commercial vessels for leading global operators, with facilities in Australia, the USA, Philippines, and Vietnam. Austal offers varied career paths including trades, maintenance, engineering support, project services, corporate roles, and operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, rollout, and continual enhancement of the Quality Management System to ensure strict adherence to ISO 9001, customer expectations, relevant regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Provide governance and assurance by managing compliance oversight, maintaining accurate quality documentation, and performing thorough audits and reviews to uphold organisational standards.
• Promote a culture emphasizing quality and continual improvement through coaching, mentoring, conducting quality training sessions, and championing best practices across all departments.
• Serve as the authoritative quality expert, coordinating customer quality mandates, supporting both internal and external audits, and effectively resolving customer-related quality issues.
• Oversee the non-conformance, corrective, and preventive action (CAPA) workflows, investigating quality concerns, applying corrective measures, and validating their success.
• Develop and track quality key performance indicators and metrics, delivering insightful reports to management regarding quality risks, compliance status, and areas for ongoing improvement.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Certification as a Lead Auditor for ISO 9001 or a related qualification.
• A minimum of five years in quality assurance or quality management roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating and sustaining Quality Management Systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of ISO 9001 standards, quality assurance protocols, and compliance necessities.
• Experienced in managing both internal and external audit programs.
• Proven ability to handle non-conformance and CAPA procedures effectively.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and commitment to continuous enhancement.
• Skilled in developing quality performance metrics and reporting methods.
• Excellent communication abilities, stakeholder engagement, and report writing skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and business management software.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Attractive salary and benefits package.
• Access to professional growth and training resources.
• A collaborative and dynamic workplace atmosphere.
• Potential for career progression within an expanding organisation.

Inclusion and Diversity Statement

Austal is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders, individuals from diverse backgrounds, age groups, sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, and veterans.