Quality Assurance Manager

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it's all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what's possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we're driving progress in some of the world's most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

The Quality Assurance Manager will deliver Quality Assurance for our Above Water systems segment, driving improvements to meet quality objectives, reduce risks, and minimise the Cost of Non-Quality across operations. Our Above Water Systems team designs, engineers, and supports commercial and naval ships. The successful candidate will apply a risk-based approach to quality assurance—ensuring compliance, addressing deficiencies, certifying products, mitigating risks, and in conjunction with the Head of Quality issuing Alerts or Vetoes when necessary, to foster a culture where quality is the responsibility of all employees.

The Quality Assurance Manager will primarily support our exciting RMP East (Fleet maintenance) project. The RMP East contract aims to modernise defense capabilities and foster strong partnerships in the Eastern region, emphasising collaboration to enhance operational readiness and security. As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will integrate complex project requirements and diverse stakeholder expectations, establishing quality benchmarks and mitigation of risks to potential systemic issues that may impact project outcomes.

The Quality Assurance Manager will build relationships with cross functional groups to execute quality assurance strategies that align with project goals and customer requirements. The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for fostering a culture of quality awareness, and ensuring that QA processes are integrated throughout the project lifecycle. This position requires excellent communication and influencing skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive quality improvements and deliver exceptional results for our customer. By cultivating relationships based on trust and accountability, the Quality Assurance Manager will play a pivotal role in achieving high-quality deliverables and enhancing overall project success.

Located centrally in Wooloomooloo's Garden Island, on Gadigal land your role purpose will be –

• Mobilising cross-functional teams to collectively drive critical quality outcomes, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project's objectives
• Developing and communicating a structured roadmap that outlines key milestones, deliverables, and quality expectations throughout the project lifecycle
• Identify potential challenges and proactively implement solutions that streamline processes and facilitates the seamless execution of quality assurance practices
• Identifying potential risks early on and implementing robust solutions that ensure the project meets its strategic objectives
• Evaluate operational performance and present management with a comprehensive overview of quality metrics to inform decision-making and enhance operational excellence.
• Oversee internal, customer and third-party activities for applicable certifications e.g. ISO9001 – ISO55001 – ISO17025
• Ensure TIMS maturity assessment and audit plans are properly planned and implemented to improve business outcomes

On day one in this role, we'll expect you to bring the following skills, experience and behaviours:

• Tertiary Qualifications in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Audit Qualifications (e.g. Lead Auditor) background or qualifications is desirable.
• Extensive experience in quality management, preferably in an industrial/system's engineering organisation, or other relevant technically orientated discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Strategic influencing skills including the ability to promote improvement at all levels and across all areas of the organisation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand and critique requirements. with expertise in applying problem solving tools, such as 8D is desirable
• Good communication & interpersonal skills, including ability to prepare and present reports.
• Ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Diplomacy skills, including the ability to withstand pressures and say 'no' when quality is insufficient or processes are not being adhered to.
• Must be an Australian Citizen and eligible for Australian Defence Clearance

It's easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don't see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We're committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We're proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there's always more we can do. We'll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.