At APD, our purpose is to provide products and service that revolutionises water management solutions for the New Zealand environment. Our products are used in the residential, manufacturing, industrial and municipal sectors. Our success is the result of continually innovating and creating quality products. Combined with the superior service that we give our customers, APD is second to none.
We are a New Zealand owned medium-sized local manufacturing company and growing quickly. Our continued growth comes from our focus and drive to increase our range of products and the markets we serve.
About the role
As the architect of our QHS strategy, you will take full ownership of elevating our safety culture and quality standards. This is a greenfield-style opportunity for a seasoned professional to bridge a capability gap and transition our business from foundational practices to ISO-certified excellence.
We have established Quality and H&S foundations, but we are ready for a step-change in sophistication. You will take our practices from ’emerging’ to ‘best-in-class’ and drive the final mile of our ISO 9001 implementation. You aren’t just following a manual; you are writing it!
This is a critical leadership role focused on fostering a culture of safety and quality across our factory, field, and office teams, while ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and NZ H&S WorkSafe Regulations.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for the oversight and continuous improvement of our management systems, ensuring our processes and products meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- System Certification: Support the business through ISO 9001 certification (target March 2026) and lead ongoing QMS improvements.
- H&S Leadership: Lead the H&S Committee and manage the full Health & Safety remit across all departments.
- Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the QHS team, including 1-2 Quality Assurance Inspectors.
- App Ownership: Leverage the TeamMate App to create data-driven insights, acting as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and trainer, utilising its modules for document control, risk, and actions.
- Compliance & Audit: Manage internal and external audit schedules and report status updates to the Senior Leadership Team.
- Risk Management: Support the business in identifying, investigating, and mitigating risks and opportunities.
- Translate complex regulatory requirements and audit findings into tangible, actionable workstreams for our factory and field teams.
What will you bring:
- Proven track record of transforming QHS functions within a manufacturing environment. You must demonstrate where you have successfully led a business through ISO9001 certification from scratch.
- In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001.
- Strategic communication skills with the ability to present risk and quality data to the Senior Leadership Team and Board, while remaining equally effective and relatable on the factory floor.
- Evidence of change management expertise and the ability to influence culture change, not just enforce rules.
- Recognised H&S qualification and QA/Internal Auditing Certification.
- High level of comfort with H&S/Quality software; experience with the TeamMate App is a significant plus.
- Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to influence decision-makers and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- A solutions-focused, resilient professional with a high standard of accuracy, integrity, and accountability.
Why Choose APD?
Join a growing team where job security and competitive remuneration meet a supportive, close-knit environment. Here, we don’t just follow industry standards – we go beyond them!
- Choose between birthday leave, a well-being allowance, or additional KiwiSaver.
- Continuous learning opportunities in a role where you can make a significant, visible impact on the industry.
- Join the NZ market leader and sharpen your skills at the forefront of the industry, backed by world-class R&D investment and cutting-edge technology.
- The small stuff that counts – great coffee and fresh fruit every day, regular lunch shouts, free parking, flu vaccinations, and free GP visits after 3 months, a voucher on your birthday, and company team building activities.
