Position Descriptions

    Free Position Description (Quality Manager) Template

    Download our free Quality Manager position description template. This DOCX & PDF resource helps you define roles, responsibilities, and qualifications.

    September 16, 20263 min read12 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Position Description (Quality Manager) Template

    DOCX • 138 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Purpose of the Free Position Description (Quality Manager) Template

    A detailed position description is the foundation for attracting, recruiting, and retaining a high-calibre Quality Manager. This free Position Description (Quality Manager) Template provides a structured framework for defining the role's purpose, responsibilities, and required competencies.

    Using a clear position description ensures that candidates and new hires understand their contribution to the organisation's quality objectives and continuous improvement culture. It serves as a vital tool for performance management and clarifies how the role integrates with the business's broader operational goals.

    A Quality Manager is critical for establishing and maintaining standards that protect your brand's reputation and ensure customer satisfaction. This role is often central to the implementation and oversight of a Quality Management System (QMS), which frequently works alongside an organisation's WHS management system to create a holistic approach to operational excellence and risk management.

    How to use the Free Position Description (Quality Manager) Template

    This resource is available as a DOCX file for easy editing and a PDF for straightforward distribution and printing. To use it, simply download the file and open it in your preferred word processing software.

    The template is pre-filled with common sections found in a Quality Manager position description, such as key responsibilities, qualifications, experience, and performance indicators. Fill in the bracketed fields and adapt the content to match your operational context and specific industry requirements.

    Please note: This template is a starting point. We strongly advise that you customise it to reflect the specific needs, risks, and organisational structure of your business.

    Ensure that the reporting lines, key performance indicators (KPIs), and specific software or system proficiencies are clearly articulated. This customisation is especially important for roles within an Integrated Management System that also incorporates ISO 45001 safety certification.

    When to use it

    A well-drafted position description for a Quality Manager should be used in several key business processes. The most common application is during recruitment to attract suitable candidates and provide clarity during interviews.

    It is also essential for onboarding a new employee, setting clear expectations from day one. Internally, the document serves as a benchmark for performance reviews and career development discussions, ensuring that both the employee and their manager have a shared understanding of the role's objectives.

    Furthermore, this document is invaluable when structuring or restructuring your quality department, or when formalising a previously informal role. It helps define the scope and boundaries of the position, preventing role ambiguity and ensuring accountability.

    The QM is often tasked with preparing for internal and external audits, including WHS compliance audits where quality and safety processes overlap.

    Who should use it

    This template is designed for use by anyone involved in the hiring, management, or strategic planning of quality functions within an Australian business. This includes a range of personnel who need to ensure the role is well-defined and aligned with business objectives.

    • HR Managers and Recruiters: To create accurate job advertisements and guide the selection process.
    • Directors and Business Owners: To formalise roles within small to medium-sized enterprises and ensure strategic alignment.
    • Operations and General Managers: To define the responsibilities of a key team member who directly influences operational efficiency and product/service quality.
    • HSEQ/WHS Managers: When expanding a team to include a dedicated quality specialist or defining integrated HSEQ responsibilities. These managers can benefit from specialised WHS consulting to ensure roles are clearly defined across all disciplines.

    By using a structured template, you ensure consistency and clarity, which is the first step in building a robust quality function. You can explore our complete free WHS resources library for other useful templates and checklists to support your operations.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Using a generic template without customising it for your specific industry and business needs.
    • Failing to clearly define reporting lines and the manager's level of authority.
    • Setting vague or unmeasurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
    • Neglecting to include specific WHS responsibilities and accountabilities in the position description.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    The Cost of Poor Quality

    Experts estimate that the 'Cost of Poor Quality' (COPQ) — which includes rework, scrap, warranty claims, and lost sales — can amount to 15-20% of a company's sales revenue. An effective Quality Manager directly works to reduce this cost.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What is the primary role of a Quality Manager?
    A Quality Manager's primary role is to develop, implement, and maintain the organisation's Quality Management System (QMS). They oversee processes, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure that products or services meet established quality standards and customer expectations.
    02Does this position description template cover WHS responsibilities?
    Yes, the template includes a section for outlining WHS duties. However, you must customise this section to reflect the specific hazards, risks, and legal obligations relevant to your workplace and the role.
    03What qualifications should a Quality Manager have?
    Qualifications typically include a tertiary degree in a relevant field, certifications like a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, and formal training as a Lead Auditor for standards such as ISO 9001. Extensive experience in quality assurance within a specific industry is also highly valued.
    04How does a Quality Manager contribute to a positive safety culture?
    A Quality Manager supports a safety culture by promoting a 'right first time' approach, which minimises rework and associated risks. They champion systematic processes, root cause analysis of incidents (both quality and safety), and a culture of continual improvement.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting services

    or call 1300 156 382

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