Quality Supervisor

Akzo Nobel; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Akzo Nobel in Melbourne, Australia, seeks a Quality Supervisor to lead daily QC lab operations in our Powder Coatings plant. You will ensure products meet customer expectations and regulatory standards while guiding a high‑performing team.

Responsibilities include batch testing, investigation of deviations, data analysis, and driving continuous improvement to meet KPIs. You’ll collaborate with Operations, Technical and Sales to deliver consistent quality and safe operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of QC or laboratory experience in chemical or process manufacturing.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory testing, quality investigations, non-conformance management, and corrective actions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent communication and stakeholder management ability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily testing of production batches in line with guidelines and OH&S requirements.
• Control shift performance and production schedule adherence within the laboratory.
• Lead investigations into abnormalities, customer complaints, and rejected batches; implement containment actions and prevention plans.
• Analyze quality data and audit results to drive improvement plans and KPIs.
• Maintain the laboratory quality management system and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and related standards.
• Mentor and train team members; coordinate with Technical and Manufacturing teams.
• Attend and cascade information from Tier 2 meetings; support Tier 1 and internal reviews.
• Liaise with internal/external customers to inform batch status.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Laboratory testing

Quality investigations

Non-conformance management

Corrective actions

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelors in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

SAP ERP

ERP systems

Job description

Are you a quality-driven leader with a passion for continuous improvement and a sharp eye for detail? We're looking for an experienced Quality Supervisor to lead daily operations of our Quality Control laboratory within our Powder Coatings manufacturing plant. In this pivotal role, you'll be at the heart of everything we produce — ensuring our products consistently meet customer expectations and regulatory standards. You'll collaborate closely with Operations, Technical, and Sales teams, drive meaningful improvement initiatives, and develop a high-performing QC team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in delivering quality that customers can count on, we want to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the daily testing of production batches, ensuring timely results in line with priority guidelines, customer agreements, and OH&S requirements


• Control shift performance and daily production schedule adherence within the laboratory


• Manage batch card releases and ensure data logging is completed accurately and on time


• Lead investigations into abnormalities, customer complaints, and rejected batches — identifying root causes, implementing containment actions, and developing prevention plans


• Analyse quality data and audit results to build and execute improvement plans that drive annual Quality KPIs


• Manage the introduction of first production batches in collaboration with Technical, Quality, and Manufacturing teams


• Maintain the laboratory quality management system and ensure ongoing compliance with relevant quality standards (ISO 9001, APAS, QSAQ, and others)


• Manage, mentor, and train new and existing team members; assign buddies and mentors for new starters


• Attend daily TIER 2 meetings and cascade relevant information to the quality team; run TIER 1 and WISE meetings


• Liaise with internal and external customers to keep them informed of production batch status

About you

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline


• Minimum 3 years of relevant QC or laboratory experience in chemical or process manufacturing


• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability


• Hands-on experience in laboratory testing, quality investigations, non-conformance management, and corrective actions


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent communication and stakeholder management ability


• Ability to remain focused and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment


• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a genuine commitment to quality


• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality management systems (desirable)


• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems (desirable)


• Be part of a collaborative, globally connected team


• Lead meaningful quality initiatives with real impact on product and customer satisfaction


• Ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth


• A workplace that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement