Project Quality Lead

at  Rheinmetall Defence Australia Pty Ltd

As part of the Quality Team at Rheinmetall, the Project Quality Lead reports to the Senior Manager Quality Operations, with dotted line reporting to the project’s Production & Services Manager. The role is based at our Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Ipswich.

• Planning and managing inspection and auditing to assure that an acceptable level of build quality is maintained/achieved for the product and assemblies RDA is responsible for, including verifying and collating the content of Sea Acceptance Testing, Harbour Acceptance Testing and other such methods used to manage and demonstrate manufacturing quality;
• Responsible for the development and management of all Control Plans and related inspection documents for assigned projects (Quality Inspection Plans and Inspection Test Plans (ITP) suite of documents);
• Creation of quality requirements for supplier contracts/commissions;
• Coordination of Quality input and participation in bid teams for assigned projects;
• Coordinate project quality input for project quality budgets (Estimation at Completion) for headcount costs, quality equipment costs, and quality operating costs as they relate to project planning and implementation activities;
• Coordination of Quality Assurance oversight for production, module and assembly planning, review and handover between Entities encompassing RDA (Europe [EU] to RDA, and RDA to EU, etc.);
• Delivering against and managing the processes for quality and compliance assurance and delivery in the commissioning and acceptance of modules and assemblies;
• Ensuring that modules and assemblies have the appropriate records within their handover records (and/or similar methodologies) with all approvals and consents prior to entry into service;
• Prepare quality reports (around quality performance, KPI’s, risks and quality compliance) and attend relevant project/management meetings providing support and direction in guiding operations to meet and exceed project quality requirements;
• Support or attend business unit and project level management system review meetings, including Project level reviews, customer reviews and project review;
• Support and monitor the internal audit program as it relates to operational scope of activities, planning/performing/reporting/following-up and resolving quality problems as relevant, in particular the program to verify and assure operational controls and process verification;
• Create, maintain, review and release quality and project documentation (inclusive of Quality Plans) to be effectively integrated within the RDA Quality Management System (QMS);
• Assist the development, implementation and maintenance of a QMS as it relates to operational assurance requirements and processes, leading operational quality input;
• Support the Director Quality in contributing to the strategic direction for the business in line with the RDA Quality strategy;
• Member of Change Control Boards related to projects assigned to; Initiate specific improvement projects, e.g. best practice procedures and ITPs/Quality Gates, etc., to assist the development of improved quality tools for use across RDA;
• Analyse quality and operational data, inspection reports and other performance data to identify quality improvement needs and systemic concerns;
• Drive the implementation of cross-functional team problem solving disciplines and effective use of Quality Tools;
• Mentor/guide project managers in the effective use of quality management systems and tools; and
• Fulfil other duties and responsibilities that may be required as determined with your manager from time to time

The experience and skillset best suited to this role includes:

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or other Exact Science degree or ability to demonstrate Senior Technician level experience within an electrical / mechanical industry;
• Recognised formal training in Quality (CQE, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, degree, etc.);
• Skilled in using advanced quality tools and techniques;
• Minimum 5 years work experience in quality assurance in comparable industry;
• Demonstrated customer service experience;
• Understanding of the ISO 9000 family and NATO Allied Quality Assurance Publications;
• Highly developed stakeholder management skills and experience working with senior management, technical experts, etc. where customised solutions and a consultancy based approach are key;
• Good IT knowledge, particularly of SAP Quality Management;
• Ability to travel interstate and internationally when required; and
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance (must hold Australian Citizenship)