Job Openings Head of QA

About the job Head of QA

Key Responsibilities:


Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement the company-wide QA/HSE strategy, aligned with business objectives, international maritime regulations, and sustainability goals.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert to executive management on all QA/HSE-related matters, including risk mitigation, incident prevention, and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide leadership across operational sites (shipyards, offshore vessels, engineering divisions) to standardize QA/HSE frameworks.

Quality Assurance (QA)

  • Establish and maintain ISO-certified QA systems (e.g., ISO 9001) across shipbuilding, vessel operations, and engineering services.
  • Drive continuous improvement programs (e.g. lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis) to improve product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct and oversee audits (internal, customer, third-party) and ensure timely close-out of non-conformances.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

  • Ensure compliance with applicable HSE laws, IMO conventions (e.g. MARPOL, SOLAS), and classification society requirements (e.g. ABS, DNV).
  • Promote a zero-incident safety culture through training, behavior-based safety programs, and incident investigations.
  • Lead emergency response planning and crisis management drills, particularly for offshore and shipyard operations.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

  • Liaise with flag states, classification societies, regulatory bodies, and major clients to ensure QA/HSE compliance.
  • Oversee accurate reporting of incidents, near-misses, risk assessments, and environmental impacts.
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly QA/HSE performance reports for the Board and external stakeholders.

People Management

  • Lead and mentor QA/HSE professionals across regions, ensuring development, training, and succession planning.
  • Lead the coordination of cross-functional teams throughout audit, certification, and investigation processes

Sustainability & ESG

  • Collaborate with ESG and technical teams to support green initiatives such as battery-hybrid vessel implementation, offshore wind support projects, and carbon footprint tracking.
    

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Degree in Engineering, Marine, Occupational Safety, or a related field.
  • Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience in QA/HSE roles within the offshore marine, shipbuilding, or oil & gas industries.
  • Strong knowledge of IMO, ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001), ISM Code, ISPS Code, and OHSAS regulations.
  • Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001/14001/45001) preferred.
  • Proven leadership and cross-cultural team management experience.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
    

Key Competencies:

  • Strategic thinking and risk-based decision-making
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
  • Leadership with integrity and accountability
  • Collaborative mindset with a drive for excellence
  • High attention to detail, especially in regulatory and technical documentation