Security often begins behind the scenes. Benjamin is Quality & Compliance Manager at Pepperl+Fuchs in Melbourne, Australia. At the Solutions Engineering Center (SEC), he works with passion and precision to ensure that the products are safe, standard-compliant, and reliable.
How long have you been with Pepperl+Fuchs and can you give us an insight into your responsibilities?
I started working as a quality manager at Govan Industries Ptv. Ltd in August 2011. In December 2012, when Pepperl+Fuchs in Australia acquired the company, I continued in the same role. Later on in my career, I assumed my current position as Quality & Compliance Manager in the SEC. Here, products are mainly developed that are used in hazardous areas. My main task is to ensure that our products meet customer expectations as well as international safety standards.
I make sure that our quality systems are always up to date, review the technical documentation of products, handle safety-related documents, prepare audits, and make sure that our products comply with all legal requirements. In doing so, I work closely with our engineers, product management, and external test centers. We coordinate regularly throughout the entire process, from product design to delivery. Once the production process is complete, I carry out the final inspection and testing of products.
Quality & Compliance are not just mandatory tasks
What do you like best about your work?
I particularly like dealing with many technical details as well as maintaining an overview of the entire product. I enjoy actively contributing to the safe use of our products in hazardous areas. I also appreciate the good teamwork, both with my colleagues in Australia and internationally. As we don’t offer mass-produced products, but customized solutions, no two days are the same. All this makes the work varied and exciting.
What is important in your work?
It is very important for my work to have a good technical understanding and to work very accurately and carefully. Quality & compliance are not just mandatory tasks, but essential to ensure the safety of our customers’ employees and to meet legal requirements. I work with technical Ex standards – i.e., standards for potentially explosive atmospheres – and with various safety regulations. It is important to know them inside and out. As I’m the only person at the SEC responsible for quality and compliance, I have to plan my time very well. There is a lot to consider, and I have to find the right balance to ensure that all processes run smoothly.
What qualities are necessary for your job?
You definitely need a sound understanding of technical standards and compliance requirements, as well as a good eye for detail. The ability to think things through analytically also helps a lot. But it’s not just about the technical side, communication is just as important. Complex things have to be explained in such a way that different teams can understand them. Product requirements need to be translated into real, practical solutions. It also helps to be proactive, especially when dealing with changing regulations or technical challenges.
A testing phase that was quite something
What has been your biggest challenge at Pepperl+Fuchs so far?
My biggest challenge was a particularly intensive test phase in which everything came together at once. I was strongly involved in the factory acceptance test. This involved us working with the customer company and external experts to check whether the complex control panels were working correctly. At the same time, an important external safety audit was taking place. In between, I was still doing my daily work – carrying out quality tests and standard ex tests as well as giving approvals for technical drawings. It was a hectic time, but I grew from it, and learned to deal better with pressure.
How do you unwind after work?
I really enjoy singing karaoke with family and friends. I especially like classic pop hits, emotional ballads, and romantic songs from the 80s and 90s. I’ve even invested in a decent sound system for my home for this hobby! For me, it’s a fun way to relax and take a break from all the technical and detailed work. It allows me to recharge my batteries.
See here the video about the Solutions Engineering Center in Melbourne.
Profile:
Benjamin
Role: Quality & Compliance Manager
He is especially good at: I‘m good at noticing the little things.
His motto: Do it right, even when no one’s watching.
His greatest strength: Reliability and an eye for detail.
