Compliance Manager

Howardco Business + HR Solutions; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Howardco Business + HR Solutions is seeking a Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen the company’s quality, safety, procurement and operational systems across its sites. You will work closely with production, warehousing and management to ensure compliant, safe and efficient operations and drive continuous improvement.

The role demands hands-on leadership, strong auditing skills and the ability to influence without direct authority, with a focus on delivering practical, measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in an independent, self-directed role focused on quality, safety, compliance or operational systems.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality management and OHS regulatory requirements.
• Experience in manufacturing environments with product and process compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance across the business, driving quality, safety and operational compliance.
• Plan, drive and manage audits, risk assessments and risk management initiatives.
• Maintain and improve documentation and systems for quality, safety and compliance.
• Ensure compliance across sites with company policies and legislative requirements, including fire safety.
• Support investigations and resolve quality issues and ESG matters.
• Maintain safe facilities and working environments in collaboration with management.
• Coordinate training in quality, safety and compliance and report on metrics.

Skills

Auditing

Documentation

Regulatory compliance

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

MS Office

Tools

SharePoint

Teams

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Howardco Business + HR Solutions – Preston VIC

Our client is a long-established, family-owned Australian manufacturer with a proud 60-year history of producing high-quality cleaning and hygiene products that help keep workplaces and public spaces healthy and safe.

With around 60 team members across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, the company values innovation, integrity and teamwork. It offers a supportive, down-to‑earth workplace where people enjoy what they do and stay for the long term.

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen the company’s quality, safety, procurement and operational systems.

Reporting to the Managing Director and Technical Director, you will ensure operations across all sites are safe, efficient and compliant with the company’s Quality Management System, Fire and Safety Management Plan, and relevant legislative requirements.

Working closely with production, warehouse, procurement and branch teams, you will drive continuous improvement, maintain high standards and ensure facilities and processes remain reliable and compliant.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring both practical expertise and strategic thinking. You will take ownership of the compliance function, drive outcomes and lead by example, demonstrating the accountability and care expected of senior management

Key Responsibilities

Lead compliance across the business, fostering quality, efficiency, continuous improvement and learning.

Plan, drive and manage audits, risk assessments and risk management initiatives.

Manage, maintain and improve quality, safety and operational compliance systems and documentation.

Ensure compliance across all sites with company policies, procedures and legislative requirements, including fire safety and operational standards.

Support investigations and resolve quality issues, including product specifications and ESG matters.

Maintain safe, functional and compliant facilities and working environments.

Partner with production, warehousing and management to uphold standards and improve processes.

Design, deliver and coordinate staff training in quality, safety and compliance.

Prepare management reports and maintain accurate digital records using SharePoint and Teams.

About You

You are a self-driven, systems-minded leader who combines attention to detail with strong people skills. Pragmatic, dependable and accountable, you take ownership, drive results and address issues rather than walking past them. You take pride in doing things right and maintaining high standards across the business.

To succeed in this role, you will:

Lead by example, remaining visible and engaged with staff, particularly on the factory floor.

Build strong relationships and manage internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Communicate confidently and influence people at all levels, including where you have no direct authority.

Apply your practical knowledge in manufacturing of quality assurance, safety and production.

Demonstrate strong skills in auditing, documentation, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Operate with integrity, accountability and high personal standards.

Skills and Experience

At least 5 years' experience in an independent, self-directed role involving quality, safety, compliance and or operational systems, ideally withing a manufacturing environment.

You will have demonstrated ability to work autonomously, take ownership and drive outcomes.

Strong knowledge and experience in ISO 9001 quality management systems, OHS management, auditing, documentation, continuous improvement and regulatory compliance ideally involving chemical products and manufacturing.

Broad understanding of manufacturing operations, from raw material sourcing through to dispatch.

Ability to thrive in a busy, complex environment.

Excellent stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills.

High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.

Exposure to facility or plant maintenance is desirable.

Why You’ll Want to Join this Company

Make an impact: Own compliance end to end, work directly with decision‑makers and see your ideas implemented.

Positive culture: Join a respectful, inclusive and mentally healthy workplace where people work hard and enjoy a laugh.

Real purpose: Contribute to products that make everyday environments cleaner and safer.

Career growth: Join a growing business with succession opportunities into operations or management.

Learning support: Access training, trade shows and industry events to build your expertise.