Meet Sean Peters, our new Quality Manager
Sean Peters recently joined Safework Health as Quality Manager based in our Melbourne office. Sean brings three decades of experience in the analytical, health and clinical laboratories management industries, specifically in Risk Management/Assessment, Quality Audits & Assurance, Research, Total Quality Management Systems, and ISO standards.
Here, Sean shares his career journey and offers advice to aspiring Quality Managers.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I commenced my career undertaking research and development in the field of gas and water purification in the power industry, supported by testing conducted in the analytical laboratory. This allowed for exposure to ISO standards for quality management systems and technical competence.
After nearly a decade in the research field, I joined the national accreditation body in South Africa, where I gained knowledge in the application of ISO standards to chemical, veterinary, forensic and human pathology testing, as well as international regulations for pre-clinical studies and the conduct of clinical trials involving human participants.
After a period working at the Australian national accreditation body, I ventured back into private industry in the capacity of Quality and Risk Manager at large private pathology companies.
What do you do in your role?
In a nutshell, the role ensures regulatory compliance with international accreditation and industry best-practice standards for the testing conducted in our facilities and laboratories, working in close conjunction with senior management, clinical, scientific personnel and collection personnel.
What do you like most about your job?
The function of my role varies daily and includes representing the company at external audits, internal audits on our workflow processes and testing procedures, continually reviewing processes for improvement opportunities, staying abreast of changes in accreditation and industry standards and opportunities for professional development.
Most importantly, I enjoy the people I get to interact with; some are starting out in their careers, while many others are recognised as industry leaders in their fields or speciality.
What attracted you to the workplace health and laboratory industries?
The importance of the requirement for testing to support industry safety standards and workplace safety, as well as the ever-changing landscape as new classes of illegal substances emerge.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
My interests are varied, but could briefly be summarised as sunshine and outdoors, the ocean or countryside, dogs, walking, cycling, reading, music, and watching documentaries with a special interest in current world affairs and history.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to become a Quality Manager?
Spend some time on the bench as a scientist or analyst, and never miss an opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge prior to moving into a quality management role. A Quality Manager requires strong interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving ability, persistence and creativity, the ability to influence others, a strategic approach to work and a strong ability to facilitate change.
Discover more
Learn more about our Team and our NATA Accredited Laboratories and Accredited Collection and Drug Testing services.