Safety and Quality Manager

Custom Bus Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Unique local electric bus maker

Stable, permanent role

Strong safety focus

Sydney production facility

Senior leadership access

Job summary

Custom Denning is Australia’s only locally based, fully electric bus manufacturer, delivering zero-emission transport from its Sydney facility. We seek a Safety & Quality Manager to lead WHS and quality across Australia, balancing strategic direction with hands-on support in manufacturing operations.

You will drive safety culture, maintain compliance, and champion continuous improvement to enhance performance and customer outcomes. This is a full-time, permanent role based in St Mary’s, NSW.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a health, safety and quality leadership role within manufacturing or high-risk settings.
• Experience with WHS legislation and ISO 9001;ISO 45001 regarded as a plus.
• Proven track record in audits, incident investigations and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead WHS management system and ensure regulatory compliance across Australia.
• Develop, implement and train WHS policies, procedures and programs.
• Manage audits, risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Lead incident investigations, return-to-work processes and injury management.
• Oversee Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 9001 certification.
• Drive continuous improvement in process reliability and product safety.

Skills

WHS Leadership

Quality Management

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

WHS qualification

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Safety and Quality Manager – Custom Denning

Location: St Mary's, NSW

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

ABOUT CUSTOM DENNING

Custom Denning is Australia's only locally based, fully electric bus manufacturer and a proud pioneer in sustainable public transport.

From our Sydney manufacturing facility, we design and build purpose‑built electric buses for government fleets, public transport operators and commercial clients across Australia. Combining cutting‑edge electric vehicle technology with skilled local manufacturing, we deliver zero‑emission transport solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, quality, performance and reliability.

At Custom Denning, quality is not negotiable. The buses we build transport Australians every day, and we take great pride in delivering products that are safe, dependable and built to last.

Joining Custom Denning means becoming part of a business that is helping shape the future of clean, Australian‑made transport.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an experienced Safety & Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve our safety and quality performance across Australia. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will provide both strategic direction and hands‑on support across our manufacturing operations. Partnering closely with leaders and employees, you'll drive a strong safety culture, maintain effective management systems and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance business performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety Management:

Lead and maintain the WHS Management System, ensuring compliance with legislation and industry best practice.

Develop and implement WHS policies, procedures and training programs.

Conduct audits, inspections and risk assessments, driving corrective and preventative actions.

Lead incident investigations, injury management and return‑to‑work processes.

Monitor safety performance and provide insights and recommendations to leadership.

Support operational teams in identifying and managing workplace risks.

Foster a positive and proactive safety culture across the business.

Manage contractor safety and compliance requirements.

Quality Leadership:

Lead and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).

Maintain ISO 9001 certification and coordinate internal and external audits.

Investigate quality issues and non‑conformances, implementing corrective actions and improvements.

Partner with manufacturing, engineering and operational teams to improve quality outcomes.

Promote continuous improvement and quality awareness across the business.

Report on quality performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.

Lead initiatives that strengthen process consistency, product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Champion a culture of quality, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

ABOUT YOU

You are a collaborative, influential leader who enjoys balancing strategy with a hands‑on approach. You'll bring:

5+ years' experience in a Health, Safety and Quality leadership role within manufacturing, transport, automotive, engineering or a similar high‑risk environment.

Relevant qualifications in WHS or a related discipline.

Strong knowledge of Australian WHS legislation and regulatory requirements.

Experience managing certified systems, including ISO 9001.

Experience with ISO 45001 (highly regarded).

Strong investigation, risk management and problem‑solving skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

Experience within vehicle manufacturing, heavy industry or transport operations.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary package reviewed annually.

A genuinely unique opportunity to work with Australia’s only local fully electric bus manufacturer.

Stable, full‑time permanent role in a growing, future‑focused business.

Supportive, down‑to‑earth team culture with a strong safety focus.

Exposure to cutting‑edge electric vehicle manufacturing technology.

Modern Sydney‑based production facility.

Opportunity to shape and mature the safety and quality framework within a growing Australian manufacturer.

Direct access to senior leadership and genuine influence on business outcomes.

At Custom Denning, we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.