Quality Assurance Manager (Academic)

Netherlands Maritime University College; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Johor Bahru is seeking a Quality Assurance (QA) Manager to oversee quality management processes. This position is critical for ensuring compliance with academic standards such as MQA and SETARA. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, significant experience in quality assurance in higher education, and a proactive approach to improving operational excellence and compliance. The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as expertise in ISO standards.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree is required.
• At least 5 years in quality assurance within higher education.
• Direct experience with MQA and SETARA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with MQA, SETARA, and ISO standards.
• Lead internal audits and implement continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports on quality assurance activities.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Project management

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or related field

Certification in ISO 45001

Certification in ISO 9001

Tools

QA management tools

Job description

Netherlands Maritime University College – Johor Bahru, Johor

Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance (QA) Manager to oversee and enhance the quality management processes across academic and operational functions. This role is crucial for ensuring NMUC meets the highest standards of academic quality, health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance & Accreditation Management: Ensure that all academic programs and operational processes meet MQA, SETARA, and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and other relevant standards. Lead and manage the preparation, submission, and monitoring of compliance documentation to these accrediting bodies.

ISO 45001 & ISO 9001 Implementation: Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety and ISO 9001 for quality management. Ensure the college’s operations and academic environments are safe, efficient, and continuously improving. Lead audits and implement corrective actions where necessary to maintain certification.

Internal Audits & Quality Reviews: Conduct regular internal audits to assess adherence to MQA, SETARA, ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards. Lead quality reviews of academic programs, operational procedures, and health and safety management, ensuring compliance and recommending improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Lead continuous improvement initiatives based on data from internal audits, student feedback, academic performance reviews, and operational assessments. Implement strategies to improve student satisfaction, faculty performance, teaching methodologies, and overall operational excellence.

Health, Safety & Risk Management: Ensure that health and safety protocols are consistently followed and maintained across NMUC. Identify potential risks to the safety of faculty, staff, and students and implement corrective and preventive actions in line with ISO 45001 requirements. Oversee safety training and awareness programs across departments.

Training & Development: Deliver training programs for faculty and staff on MQA, SETARA, ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and best practices in quality management, health and safety, and academic program compliance. Foster a culture of quality, safety, and compliance throughout the institution.

Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and submit regular reports to senior management on the status of quality assurance activities, accreditation compliance, safety management, and institutional performance. Maintain thorough documentation for internal records and external audits.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Maintain relationships with regulatory bodies such as MQA, SETARA, ISO auditors, and other relevant authorities to ensure up-to-date compliance. Engage with external auditors, industry stakeholders, and accrediting agencies to ensure the institution meets evolving quality and safety standards.

Program Development & Improvement: Collaborate with academic departments to ensure curricula, teaching methods, assessments, and faculty development are in line with MQA and SETARA standards. Ensure academic programs are continuously reviewed and improved to maintain relevance and rigour in higher education.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education:

• A Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Maritime Studies, or a related field.
• Certification in ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) is highly desirable.
• Additional certifications related to quality management and safety management are an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a quality assurance role within higher education, with direct experience in MQA, SETARA, and ISO 45001 compliance.
• At least 2 years of experience in managing health and safety processes in an academic or operational environment.

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of MQA and SETARA accreditation processes and requirements.
• Expertise in ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) standards.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, health and safety regulations, and risk management processes in educational institutions.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in English (Malay is an advantage).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and ensure timely compliance with standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and QA management tools.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on quality, safety, and compliance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion for ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and safety.