Quality & OpEx Lead

Netafim Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Netafim Australia, part of Orbia, seeks a Quality & OpEx Lead to drive quality excellence and continuous improvement across our Australian operations in Melbourne. You will lead quality initiatives, implement Lean methodologies, and enhance operational efficiency to deliver sustainable improvements in processes, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Reporting to the site leadership, you will manage ISO 9001 compliance, audits, Corrective Actions, and data-driven performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 9001 compliant systems.
• Proven ability to lead Lean Six Sigma programs.
• Auditing and compliance experience in manufacturing or similar environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality systems audits and compliance across sites.
• Drive OpEx, Lean initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate corrective actions and data-driven improvements.
• Develop and monitor QA metrics and KPIs.

Skills

Quality Management

ISO 9001

Lean Six Sigma

Audits

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Quality

Tools

SAP QA module

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Netafim, part of Orbia, is a global leader in smart irrigation solutions, dedicated to advancing precision agriculture and helping growers produce more with less. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and water conservation, Netafim develops advanced irrigation technologies that support efficient water use, improve crop yields, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

As part of Orbia’s broader mission to advance life around the world, Netafim offers the opportunity to work with a global team driven by innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Quality & OpEx Lead to drive quality excellence and continuous improvement across our operations. In this role, you will lead quality initiatives, implement Lean methodologies, and enhance operational efficiency to deliver sustainable improvements in processes, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Systems Management, Audits & Compliance

Administration of quality systems (ISO9001) and other related processes within Netafim Australia & New Zealand.

Plan and implement the necessary actions to ensure that the company complies with the requirements of Netafim Australia Management System (NAMS) and any relevant national, international or customer specific standards.

Determine and execute an internal audit schedule to maintain and increase awareness and use of NAMS whilst encouraging Management ownership and promoting the concept of Continuous Improvement

Develop and implement, where necessary, EHS standards.

Develop an understanding of Occupational Health & Safety legislation; comply with OH&S policies and procedures and participate in OHS activities as required.

Management of Corrective Actions

Control and promote the use of the Corrective Action System to report, investigate and correct identified issues across the business.

Coordinate technical problem-solving efforts with relevant managers in response to customer complaints or requests.

Respond to Incident Reports; investigate cause of product failure; check warranty conditions; report on IR statistics and QA KPI’s; liaise with Product Managers, vendors and as necessary conduct additional tests. This includes raising the necessary SAP notifications and follow up.

Data Collection and Interpretation

Collate and present all information required for MOR., This includes internal DPPM, Customer DPPM, COPQ and other metrics.

Analyse information on scrap and determine if any improvements can be made to reduce waste.

Assist Product Managers with product approval programs to achieve product acceptance and certification.

Operational Excellence

Drive an OpEx culture, through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma concepts throughout our sites

With guidance from both the operations and quality leaders, lead the OpEx plan for the work site

Lead the PDPR (Policy Deployment Process Review) with correlation to the site strategy (3-year plan and X-Matrix)

Play an active part in all OPEX meetings and reviews

Complete monthly OMA’s and 5S assessments along with relevant team members

Continually develop OpEx knowledge and drive related training, whilst facilitating and guiding Lean Management activities (supporting Kaizen Leaders, RCCA initiators, TPM etc.)

Team & Stakeholder Management

Liaison with corporate QA department to ensure effective flow of information, use of best practices and knowledge gathered worldwide.

Conduct tests, supervise and maintain the operation of the offline quality laboratory ensuring that all products manufactured comply with quality and performance standards. Ensure accurate records are maintained of all testing and approvals. Transfer of approved products to warehouse (SAP).

Maintain laboratory including equipment calibration to required standard, ensuring equipment maintenance and a clean and safe work environment.

Train and monitor all Production employees on SPC, QC & QA procedures and assist online QC Operators and Extrusion Department Manager in conducting special tests.

Develop competency in SAP QA module and train other users.

All other duties as required by the dept Manager to ensure effective and efficient delivery of this position.

Capabilities & Experience

Capabilities

Strong capability to manage and continuously improve Quality Management Systems, including governance, documentation control, records management and compliance obligations.

Demonstrated capability to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, with working knowledge of ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (WHS) management systems.

Proven capability to plan, conduct and close out internal and external audits, including corrective and preventative actions.

Strong capability to drive an Operational Excellence culture, applying Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies across operational and manufacturing environments.

Practical capability in the application of Lean / Lean Six Sigma tools, including Kaizen, RCCA, TPM, SPC, 5S, OMA and performance measurement.

Capability to lead Policy Deployment / PDPR processes and align OpEx initiatives with site strategy, including multi‑year plans and X‑Matrix frameworks.

Demonstrated capability to analyse quality, scrap, non‑conformance and audit data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.

Capability to manage QA systems and workflows within SAP, including product approvals, quality releases and traceability.

Strong capability to integrate quality, safety, environmental and risk considerations into operational processes.

Highly developed capability to influence, coach and train leaders, supervisors and shopfloor teams to uplift quality and continuous improvement maturity.

Strong stakeholder engagement capability, including collaboration with operations, production, supply chain, product and global corporate QA teams.

Experience

Extensive experience in a Quality Assurance, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement or similar role, preferably within manufacturing or operational environments.

Demonstrated experience managing ISO‑aligned management systems and audit programs in a regulated or compliance‑driven environment.

Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives across teams or sites, delivering measurable operational or quality outcomes.

Experience working with cross‑functional stakeholders and influencing outcomes without direct authority.