Leading defence contractor seeks ISO9001 Quality Manager. Lead team that implements Quality Initiatives.

What the person must be able to do:

This role is in the military R&D and manufacturing sector. As such, the person must be able to execute all job tasks in a cutting-edge military R&D and manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate must be able to understand advanced instrumentation and to ensure effective calibration procedures. A strong background in setting up Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001 is required. This person will also have management experience, and be able to lead a quality team.

Champion the “Quality Cause” in the business:

  • Manage the internal (10 person) quality team to ensure achievement of quality goals
  • Collaboratively work with stakeholders to improve quality in the organisation
  • Support the larger organisation in attaining quality goals
  • Drive organisational continuous improvement initiatives
  • Monitor quality metrics to find and act upon improvement opportunities
  • Liaise with external quality certification organisations to ensure the organisation complies to international quality best practices such as ISO 9001

Manage all internal quality processes to ensure:

  • Customer expectations are met and even exceeded
  • Regularity requirements are adhered to
  • Operational requirements are met and exceeded
  • Strategic quality objectives are met

Create and Maintain the following:

  • Quality Management Policies
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Quality Management Processes
  • Quality Standards
  • Supporting documentation for all of the above

Key Job Deliverables:

  • Ensure that the organisations Quality Management System (QMS) is effectively established, implemented and maintained
  • Drive effective Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Report to top management on the performance of the QMS and any need for improvement
  • Ensure the promotion of awareness of quality throughout the organisation
  • Ensure the “Customer Agenda” is promoted throughout the organisation. Help build a culture of customer focus
  • Liaise with external assessment bodies to ensure quality accreditation and implementation of quality best practices
  • Manage, motivate and inspire your team to drive the “Quality Cause”.

Background work experience

  • At 5+ years exposure to ISO 9001
  • At 5+ years management experience, preference for this time being spent managing a quality team
  • Background in instrumentation and calibration strongly advantageous
  • BEng/BSc (pref with Physics major) or equivalent qualification
  • 3+ years experience working in an organisation that designs, develops, manufactures and supports high tech products
  • Project Management experience strongly advantageous. Preference for project management of strategic initiatives


Type of Person

Qualify In

  • Action orientated
  • Analytical thinker
  • Innovator
  • Strong leadership skills – Leads as a member of the team
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Natural coach and mentor
  • Strong project management and facilitation skills
  • Success orientated

Qualify Out

  • Abrasive
  • Emotionally cold
  • Focuses on numbers and forgets about people
  • Introverted – Not a people person
  • Wants to be spoon fed
  • Lethargic
  • Confined to Analysis-Paralysis

Personality Summary:

You will be an action orientated person who takes initiative. You will be a strong leader who naturally earns the respect of your team. You will be success driven, and be someone who like to accomplish positive results. You may also be a competitive person.

You will have strong people skills. You will be good with reading emotions. You will be able to persuade people to following you using your natural charm.

You will be strong with analysis and understanding opportunities to improve the way the business is run. You will enjoy working with facts and figures. You will have a natural talent for designing effective, efficient business processes.

You may also have strong administrative capability. You may be very strong with running administrative processes.

Benefits of this Role:

  • One of the world’s leading Defence Contractors
  • Cutting edge R&D and Manufacturing firm (The place you want to work)
  • Opportunity to work in a cutting edge environment
  • Technical challenge and growth
  • New project challenges to overcome
  • Personal growth

Reports to: Head Business Support Services

Location: Pretoria

Salary: R500K to R600K per annum negotiable. Dependent on experience. More senior candidates can also apply.

Type: Permanent

Start: ASAP

Reference: DT 89

Jobs like this don’t come around that often, so make sure you apply now.

Call Dave Lucas at 011 655 7391

Email: j89 @ dawningtruth.co.za  (Please email your CV before calling us.)

[Referral Program: If you refer a suitably qualified candidate for this role, and they get placed through us, we will give you a Samsung Galaxy]