Laboratory Manager

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

Job Description

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Downer is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead and manage laboratory operations supporting asphalt production and road contracting activities across Western Australia.

This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring high-quality testing, maintaining NATA accreditation, and providing technical expertise in asphalt mix design and optimisation. You'll play a key role in supporting operational performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across multiple sites.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead day-to-day operations of laboratories in Gosnells and Hope Valley.
• Maintain NATA accreditation and act as an Approved Signatory.
• Ensure all testing, sampling and reporting meets Main Roads WA specifications, Australian Standards and client requirements.
• Oversee laboratory quality systems, audits, proficiency testing and compliance.
• Provide technical leadership for asphalt mix design, verification and optimisation.
• Partner with production teams to improve product performance and consistency.
• Lead root cause investigations and manage non-conformances.
• Build and develop a high-performing laboratory team.
• Foster strong relationships with clients, regulators and industry bodies.

ABOUT YOU

• Diploma or higher in laboratory operations, materials science, engineering or related field.
• Current driver's licence and White Card.
• Background as a NATA Approved Signatory.
• Proven experience managing or supervising a construction materials testing laboratory.
• Strong expertise in asphalt and bituminous materials.
• Experience with NATA accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with asphalt mix design and optimisation.
• Solid understanding of MRWA specifications or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Downer is a company that believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work-life balance, and above benchmark services. We also offer a range of benefits including:

• Tool of Trade Vehicle
• Enjoy career development opportunities, including leadership programs like Thrive and Own Career.
• Be part of an industry-leading company committed to safety, innovation and operational excellence.
• Access to Perks@Downer, which offers discounts and savings on various products, including retail items, travel deals and entertainment options.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

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