Continuous Improvement

Are you based in Melbourne's SE suburbs or Gippsland areas and looking for a role where you can make a meaningful difference and be actively involved in developing and delivering Quality and CI strategies?

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager & Continuous Improvement Leader to champion our Quality management systems and continuous improvement initiatives across our operation. This pivotal role combines developing strategic quality leadership and CI initiatives as part of the leadership team, with hands-on support in continuing to develop the Quality culture and foundations of Lean methodology within the business.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with operational teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement while maintaining rigorous quality standards that meet industry regulations, audit requirements and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Manage and maintain quality management systems (QMS) in accordance with relevant ISO standards (ISO 9001)
• Ensure compliance with industry-specific standards for industrial operations
• Plan, coordinate, and lead internal quality audits and support external certification audits
• Manage non-conformances, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) processes
• Oversee document control systems ensuring procedures, work instructions, and quality records are current and accessible
• Monitor and report on quality metrics including defect rates, customer complaints, and corrective action effectiveness
• Conduct supplier quality assessments and manage vendor quality performance
• Facilitate audits and ensure compliance with customer requirements

Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation

• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies across all operations
• Facilitate value stream mapping, kaizen events, and process improvement workshops with cross-functional teams
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvement initiatives and operational efficiency
• Train and coach operational staff in lean tools and techniques including 5S, visual management, standard work, and waste elimination
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and productivity enhancement
• Drive problem-solving activities using root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams)
• Establish and maintain a continuous improvement framework with regular review cycles

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related customer inquiries and concerns
• Manage customer audits and facility inspections, ensuring successful outcomes
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints with timely, effective responses
• Build strong relationships with key customers to understand quality expectations and requirements
• Conduct regular customer satisfaction reviews and implement improvement actions
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and certification agencies as required
• Present quality and improvement reports to senior leadership and stakeholders

Operational Collaboration & Team Leadership

• Work closely with Operations and Sales teams to embed quality and improvement practices
• Provide technical guidance and support to operational teams on quality standards and improvement initiatives
• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver improvement outcomes
• Develop and deliver training programs on quality standards, procedures, and continuous improvement tools
• Foster a culture of quality ownership and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Key Selection Criteria

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualification in Science, Engineering, Quality Management or related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience in quality management and continuous improvement roles, preferably in food or pharmaceutical manufacturing (or similar industries)
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing principles and tools (Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, VSM)
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Proven track record of successfully leading improvement projects that deliver measurable results
• Experience conducting internal audits and managing external certification and customer audits
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making approach
• Strong stakeholder management and customer relationship skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and quality management software

Preferred Requirements

• Lean certification or formal lean training
• Experience in regulated industries (healthcare, pharmaceutical, food service)
• Familiarity with ISO 9001
• Experience with ERP systems and business intelligence tools
• Project management certification or experience

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align quality and improvement initiatives with business objectives
• Leadership & Influence: Capable of driving change and influencing at all organizational levels
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with industry best practices and emerging methodologies
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information clearly
• Collaboration: Strong team player who builds effective relationships across functions
• Results Orientation: Track record of delivering outcomes on time and within budget
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, compliance, and quality standards
• Adaptability: Flexible and resilient in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Key Success Indicators

• Successful completion of certification audits with zero major non-conformances
• Achievement of continuous improvement targets (cost savings, efficiency gains, waste reduction)
• Customer satisfaction scores and complaint resolution timeliness
• Quality metrics performance (defect rates, first-pass yield, rework reduction)
• Training completion rates and team engagement in improvement activities
• CAPA closure rates and effectiveness
• On-time project delivery of improvement initiatives

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on operational performance and quality excellence
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with engaged operational teams
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience