About the role
DroneShield is seeking a Head of Quality & HSE with relevant experience to join the team in Sydney, NSW. The position will report to the Chief Operating Officer. The Head of Quality & HSE is accountable for building a function that protects the business while enabling fast, reliable and safe operations.
Responsibilities, Duties and ExpectationsOperational Enablement
* Embed quality, safety, and compliance into operational and engineering workflows by design.
* Enable execution speed through clear standards, decision rights, and risk‐based controls.
Defect & Risk Prevention
* Drive prevention‐first approaches across design, manufacturing, supply chain, and field operations.
* Eliminate safety hazards and systemic defect drivers through structured risk management.
Incident & Fault Resolution
* Lead fault‐finding, investigation, and root‐cause analysis for production and field incidents.
* Ensure rapid containment, effective corrective action, and prevention of recurrence.
* Balance operational continuity with regulatory and customer obligations.
Compliance & Governance
* Establish and maintain a scalable, auditable quality and HSE compliance framework.
* Lead regulatory engagement, certifications, and internal/external audits.
* Ensure compliance strengthens execution rather than adding friction.
Continuous Improvement
* Own and lead the enterprise continuous improvement system for the business.
* Convert incidents, defects, audit findings, and field feedback into sustained systemic improvement.
* Drive cross‐functional improvement initiatives aligned to risk and operational impact.
Measurement & KPIs
* Define, track, and report meaningful Quality, Safety, and Compliance KPIs.
* Use leading and lagging indicators to drive decision‐making and prioritisation.
* Ensure performance trends are visible, consistent, and trusted by leadership.
Leadership
* Build and lead high‐performing global Quality & HSE teams.
* Act as a trusted partner to Operations, Engineering, Programs, and Supply Chain.
* Provide clear, objective risk and assurance insight to the executive team.
Measures of Success
* Fewer defects, escapes, and repeat incidents.
* Zero reliable safety incidents and reduced risk exposure. Proactive risk identification.
* Faster issue resolution with minimal delivery disruption.
* Strong audit outcomes and regulatory confidence.
* Quality & HSE recognised as an enabler of speed, scale, and reliability.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
* Senior leadership experience in Quality, HSE, or Operational Risk.
* Background in defence, aerospace, or highly regulated high‐tech manufacturing.
* Proven experience operating in global, multi‐site environments.
* Engineering or technical qualifications preferred.
* Quality/Safety credentials desirable.
* Customer‐oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
* Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain or Business (desirable).
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