Laboratory Coordinator

Wilmar Sugar; Wakefield Regional Council; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Additional leave entitlements

Superannuation entitlements

Exclusive partner discounts

Job summary

Wilmar Sugar & Renewables seeks a Laboratory Coordinator to lead the lab team, manage equipment, and ensure accurate analysis of sugarcane samples. The role blends hands-on lab work with leadership, quality, and administrative duties in a dynamic environment.

Based at Inkerman Mill, North Queensland, the position operates Monday–Friday with overtime during crush season. You’ll drive safe practices, mentor staff, and collaborate with operations to optimize processes and product quality.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in chemistry or biology; laboratory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure during peak crushing season.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and workflows; ensure timely and accurate analysis of samples.
• Lead and mentor a team of lab technicians; drive training and performance management.
• Uphold safety, quality, and environmental protocols; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain calibration, maintenance, and repair of lab equipment; manage inventory of supplies.
• Collaborate with operations teams to inform process decisions based on lab results.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Team management

Data entry accuracy

Quality & safety

Education

Degree or diploma in chemistry or biology

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

As aLaboratory Coordinatorat 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.