Head of Quality, Safety & Maintenance (QSM)

Head of Quality, Safety & Maintenance (QSM)

Role Overview

Our client, a respected engineering and manufacturing business, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Quality, Safety & Maintenance (QSM) to take full accountability for these critical business functions.

This is a senior, factory-based role suited to a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced operational environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for professionalising systems, ensuring compliance, driving operational excellence, and reducing day-to-day reliance on directors through strong leadership and ownership.

The environment is entrepreneurial rather than corporate, requiring someone adaptable, practical, and willing to get involved at all levels.

• Quality Management 60%

• Maintenance Management 25%

• Safety / SHEQ Compliance 15%

Ensuring health and safety compliance, statutory checks, audits, and maintaining a safe working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the company Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and customer quality requirements
• Develop quality control plans, inspection reports, and supporting documentation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production and projects
• Maintain welding quality standards and general engineering compliance requirements
• Conduct internal audits and prepare for external audits

• Manage the maintenance function and maintenance personnel
• Ensure preventative and reactive maintenance schedules are completed
• Monitor equipment reliability and minimise downtime
• Maintain maintenance records, statutory registers, and documentation
• Coordinate contractors and internal technical teams where required

• Oversee SHEQ compliance in line with South African legislation
• Ensure statutory inspections are completed (lifting equipment, fire systems, etc.)
• Conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations
• Maintain safety files, procedures, and training records
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the business

• Take full accountability for the QSM department
• Operate independently with minimal supervision
• Provide management reporting to directors
• Build discipline, accountability, and systems across departments
• Support company growth in a changing and expanding environment

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Engineering, Quality Management, Safety Management, or related field
• ISO / Quality Systems certification advantageous

• 510+ years experience in engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environments
• Strong background in Quality Management
• Experience overseeing maintenance teams or maintenance systems
• Exposure to health & safety compliance within industrial environments
• Previous experience in a senior supervisory or management role

• ISO systems and quality assurance knowledge
• Welding quality standards and engineering inspection processes
• Maintenance planning systems
• SHEQ compliance and statutory requirements
• Strong documentation and reporting skills

• Hands-on and practical
• Strong work ethic
• High attention to detail
• Systems-driven thinker
• Flexible and adaptable
• Confident leader
• Able to work in a dynamic, non-corporate environment
• Willing to get involved operationally where needed