Asphalt Lab Manager | Testing & Compliance Lead

First Nations Jobs; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of Trade Vehicle

Leadership development: Thrive

Own Career program

Perks@Downer discounts

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead laboratory operations supporting asphalt production and road contracting across Western Australia. The role focuses on high-quality testing, maintaining NATA accreditation, and providing technical expertise in asphalt mix design and optimisation.

Leading labs in Gosnells and Hope Valley, you will drive compliance, continuous improvement, and strengthen client and regulator relationships while developing a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Leadership and people management experience in a laboratory environment.
• Strong know-how of asphalt mix design and optimisation.
• Experience with NATA accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Proven track record in quality systems and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations across multiple sites (Gosnells, Hope Valley).
• Maintain NATA accreditation and act as Approved Signatory.
• Ensure testing, sampling and reporting meet MRWA/AS requirements.
• Oversee quality systems, audits, proficiency tests and compliance.
• Provide technical leadership for asphalt mix design and optimisation.
• Collaborate with production teams to improve product performance.
• Lead investigations, manage non-conformances and drive improvements.
• Build and develop a high-performing laboratory team.
• Maintain strong client/regulator relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Asphalt expertise

NATA/ISO 17025 knowledge

Laboratory management

Quality systems

Education

Diploma or higher in lab operations / materials science / engineering

Job description

Downer is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead laboratory operations supporting asphalt production and road contracting across Western Australia. The role focuses on high-quality testing, maintaining NATA accreditation, and providing technical expertise in asphalt mix design and optimisation.

Leading labs in Gosnells and Hope Valley, you will drive compliance, continuous improvement, and strengthen client and regulator relationships while developing a high-performing team.