Quality Manager

Department Of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Defence seeks a Quality Manager to lead and continually improve the ISO 9001 QMS and NATA 17025 NDT within JPEU. You will oversee audit programs, manage non-conformities, and drive quality initiatives across the organisation to ensure compliance with defence requirements.

You will analyse quality data, identify risks, implement corrective actions, and report on quality performance to stakeholders. Strong communication and governance skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 and NATA 17025 NDT).
• Experience with compliance, auditing, and continuous improvement.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks and root causes.
• Ability to implement effective corrective actions and governance.
• Proven ability to report quality metrics and engage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management, maintenance, and continual improvement of the QMS.
• Oversee internal and external audit programs and address non-conformities.
• Drive initiatives that enhance organisational performance and governance.
• Analyse quality data to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Provide expert quality guidance to management and staff.

Skills

Quality Management

Auditing

Compliance

Root Cause Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Quality Reporting

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quality/Engineering

Job description

Joint Proof and Experimental Unit (JPEU) is seeking an experienced and motivated Quality Manager to lead the management, maintenance, and continual improvement of our Quality Management System (QMS) (ISO:9001 QMS and NATA 17025 NDT). This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with Defence requirements, regulatory obligations, and recognised industry standards while fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the organisation.

As the Quality Manager, you will provide expert advice to management and staff on quality, compliance, and assurance matters, oversee internal and external audit programs, manage non-conformities and corrective actions, and drive initiatives that enhance organisational performance. You will analyse quality data, identify risks and improvement opportunities, and support effective decision-making through quality reporting and stakeholder engagement.

You will work closely with leaders and stakeholders across the organisation to strengthen governance, improve business processes, enhance operational effectiveness, and embed a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement. The role offers the opportunity to influence strategic outcomes, support organisational capability, and ensure quality remains at the forefront of business operations.

This role is ideal for a quality professional with strong experience in quality management systems, auditing, compliance, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement, who is committed to delivering high standards and positive organisational outcomes.

About our Team

JPEU is an integral part of Explosive Ordnance Branch, Joint Logistics Command and is tasked to provide dynamic, static and environmental test and evaluation services to the Australian Defence Organisation.

JPEU consists of a Headquarters which is spread across VIC, SA and ACT, as well as two ranges at P&EE Graytown VIC, and P&EE Port Wakefield SA.

Employment at Graytown also currently attracts a Special Defence Locality allowance of approximately ($184.44 per fortnight).

Employment at Port Wakefield also currently attracts a Special Defence Locality allowance of approximately ($309.85 per fortnight).

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced quality professional with a strong background in Quality Management Systems (ISO:9001 QMS/NATA 17025 NDT), compliance, auditing, and continuous improvement. They possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, investigate issues, and implement effective corrective actions that deliver lasting organisational benefits.

They are a confident communicator who can provide trusted advice to managers and staff, build strong stakeholder relationships, and influence positive outcomes across diverse business areas. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to improving processes, governance, and organisational performance.

Experience managing audits, compliance activities, quality documentation, and performance reporting will be highly regarded. Above all, they will be committed to fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organisation consistently meets its operational objectives and compliance obligations.

The right person for this role will show the flexibility to respond to the changing context and shifting priorities of JPEU, to achieve business outcomes. In this role, the individual will provide support to a geographically dispersed team.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers