Laboratory Coordinator

Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited; Ayr; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited is seeking a Laboratory Coordinator at Inkerman Mill in North Queensland’s Burdekin region. You’ll lead a skilled lab team, manage cutting-edge equipment, and ensure accurate analysis of sugarcane samples while supporting safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

This permanent, Monday–Friday role includes overtime during the crush season. A degree or diploma in chemistry or biology and prior laboratory experience are essential, with strong leadership, attention

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in chemistry or biology.
• Experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in food or agricultural industry preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, scheduling, and accurate analysis of cane samples.
• Lead and mentor lab technicians, including training and performance management.
• Ensure safety, quality, and environmental compliance in the lab.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment; manage inventory of supplies.
• Collaborate with operations to inform decisions from lab results.

Skills

Team leadership

Laboratory operations

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Chemistry or Biology

Job description

Your Next Career Adventure Awaits

As a Laboratory Coordinator at Wilmar Sugar & Renewables, you'll be at the heart of our lab's action-leading a skilled team, managing cutting-edge equipment, and ensuring accurate analysis of sugarcane samples. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on laboratory professional who enjoys combining team leadership and administrative coordination with practical laboratory work. You’ll have the opportunity to step into routine laboratory analysis as needed, while supporting the team to maintain high standards of quality, safety and accuracy.

This position will be based at Inkerman Mill in North Queensland's Burdekin region, known for its stunning landscapes, rich agricultural heritage, and a vibrant community. The Burdekin region offers a fantastic lifestyle with a warm climate, beautiful beaches and a range of recreational activities, making it a great place to live and work.

This permanent position follows a Monday to Friday day work roster, year-round. During the crush season overtime on Sunday will be required to meet operational demands.

Your Role in Action

• Oversee Daily Laboratory Operations: Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the lab by managing workflows, scheduling, and overseeing the timely and accurate analysis of sugarcane samples. Monitor accuracy of cane payment and related data entry, analysis and adhere to cane payment compliance.
• Lead and Mentor a Team: Provide leadership and support to a team of lab technicians, fostering a positive work environment. You will be responsible for training, mentoring, and performance management to ensure high standards are maintained.
• Ensure Compliance with Safety and Quality Standards: Uphold safety, quality, and environmental protocols, ensuring the lab meets all regulatory and company requirements. You will be responsible for implementing best practices and maintaining a culture of safety.
• Maintain Laboratory Equipment: Oversee the calibration, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment to ensure accurate results and minimise downtime. You will also manage the inventory of lab supplies and consumables.
• Collaborate with Operations Teams: Work closely with operations teams by providing insights from lab results to inform operational decisions. Your analysis will play a key role in optimizing the crushing process and maintaining product quality.

Your Winning Combination

Our ideal candidate will hold a degree or diploma in a relevant scientific discipline, such as chemistry or biology, and will have prior experience working in a laboratory environment, ideally within the food or agricultural industry. Strong leadership and team management skills are essential, along with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. The ability to work effectively under pressure, particularly during the demanding sugarcane crushing season, is also critical for this role.

What Wilmar Will Offer You

At Wilmar, you'll be embraced as a valued member of our team, appreciated for your unique contributions. We offer competitive pay and benefits, including additional leave and superannuation entitlements and exclusive partner discounts. Our emphasis on safety and innovation creates a supportive work environment where you can thrive.

About Wilmar Sugar & Renewables

Wilmar Sugar Australia is part of Wilmar International, a leading global agribusiness with around 100,000 employees working across more than 30 countries and regions.

Across Australia and New Zealand, we operate two major business units, Sugar & Renewables and Sweeteners, employing 2,400+ people during peak/ seasonal operations with corporate offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville and Auckland.

As Australia's largest raw sugar manufacturer and a top 10 global producer, Wilmar Sugar & Renewables runs eight sugar mills across North Queensland. We are also one of the nation's largest generators of renewable electricity from biomass, a major producer of bioethanol, the largest sugarcane grower, and a key supplier of sustainable fertiliser and stockfeed.

Business unit Non seasonal