Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager – Defence (Major Project)

We have been engaged exclusively to source a Quality Assurance Manager to take ownership of all project quality systems, compliance frameworks, and assurance processes on a circa $200M+ complex Defence project. This is a critical site-based role reporting to Senior Project Leadership, with responsibility for ensuring all quality requirements are embedded, maintained, and independently verified throughout the full project lifecycle.

The Organisation

Our client is a highly respected Australian-owned principal contractor with over 40 years of proven delivery across complex infrastructure projects, including Defence, civil, and remote works.

• Recognised as a Top 10 ADM Defence Contractor
• Appointed to the Defence Infrastructure Panel (Major Construction) in 2025
• Strong reputation for quality, safety, and consistent delivery standards
• Proven capability in delivering large-scale, remote, and technically complex projects
• Known for a culture of integrity, accountability, and straightforward client engagement
• Strong internal systems aligned to certification, compliance, and best practice delivery frameworks

Key Deliverables

In this role, you will be responsible for driving and maintaining the project’s quality assurance framework from planning through to handover, ensuring full compliance with internal systems, legislation, and client requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all Project Quality functions, processes, and records align with the company Management System, independent certification requirements, relevant legislation, regulatory standards, and client-specific requirements
• Maintaining and updating the Project Quality Management Plan in consultation with the Project Construction Manager and SEQ Manager
• Establishing supplier and subcontractor quality requirements, and ensuring these are incorporated into subcontract documentation in collaboration with Construction and Commercial Managers
• Preparing and maintaining the Project Audit Schedule, ensuring regular internal and external audits are planned, completed, and actioned effectively
• Providing monthly quality performance reports to Senior Management, Project Construction Manager, and SEQ Manager
• Supporting and coordinating HOTO (Handover Takeover) documentation collation in consultation with the HOTO Manager
• Driving continuous improvement in quality systems, processes, and project compliance outcomes across all disciplines
• Ensuring non-conformances are identified, documented, and closed out effectively within required timeframes

Capabilities & Experience

This is a senior-level quality role requiring strong construction experience and the ability to operate autonomously across a major project environment.

To be considered, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a Quality Assurance / Quality Manager role within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 principal contractor environment, or major project delivery consultancy/owner-side role
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in the construction industry
• Strong exposure to Defence or similarly complex regulated construction environments (highly regarded)
• Experience driving quality systems on major projects with HOTO (handover takeover) requirements
• Strong capability in internal auditing processes and compliance management
• Comprehensive understanding of construction quality systems, ITPs, NCRs, and assurance frameworks
• Proficiency in quality control software, tracking systems, and document/records management platforms
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage with site teams, senior management, subcontractors, and clients
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and reporting capability
• Ability to work independently and drive compliance in a fast-paced project environment
• Australian citizenship with eligibility for Defence security clearance (preferred/required depending on project needs)

The Rewards

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a flagship Defence project with a leading national contractor, supported by strong systems, experienced leadership, and a high-performing project team in a gorgeous coastal town in regional WA.

• Competitive remuneration package- including fully furnished accommodation, quarterly flights back to point of hire, generous uplift and full relocation support
• Long-term project stability (circa 2.5 years program)
• Exposure to a high-profile Defence infrastructure project
• Strong leadership support and established quality frameworks
• Opportunity to directly influence project outcomes, compliance, and delivery excellence

For a confidential conversation, please call Jo Morrison on 0405 867 171