Laboratory Manager

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on training

Career development

Employee Assistance Program

Staff discounts through Douglas Goodes

Long-term role

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd in Canberra seeks an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead and grow the Canberra soil laboratory. You will mentor staff, manage daily operations to ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA standards, and implement Lean/5S while maintaining hands-on testing and quality delivery. The role offers growth, mentoring, and a chance to shape the national lab program.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in laboratory and field testing of soils, aggregates and concrete to Australian standards.
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or higher.
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and WHS compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and mentor laboratory staff with training and development.
• Manage day-to-day lab operations in line with ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA requirements.
• Oversee Canberra laboratory growth, embed Lean/5S into procedures and workflows.
• Coordinate testing schedules with clients and internal teams; analyze data and prepare reports.

Skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Mentoring

Laboratory testing experience

Education

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Diploma or Degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd is an employee-owned and Australian industry-leading geotechnical, environmental and groundwater consultancy employing over 600 people throughout 19 offices, with 14 NATA-accredited laboratories across Australia.

Our core values—People, Integrity, Improvement, Excellence—guide everything we do. We prioritise safety, foster an inclusive culture, act with integrity, continuously strive for improvement and are committed to sustainability and excellence in all our work.

To learn more about our company values, visit www.douglaspartners.com.au

About the Company

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd is an employee-owned and Australian industry-leading geotechnical, environmental and groundwater consultancy employing over 600 people throughout 19 offices, with 14 NATA-accredited laboratories across Australia.

Our core values—People, Integrity, Improvement, Excellence—guide everything we do. We prioritise safety, foster an inclusive culture, act with integrity, continuously strive for improvement and are committed to sustainability and excellence in all our work.

To learn more about our company values, visit www.douglaspartners.com.au

What the role is

We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead and further develop our Canberra soil laboratory, working closely with the Branch Manager and supported by our national laboratory management team.

The laboratory has been operating in support of our established geotechnical team and is now entering its next phase of growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to build capability,embed our national Lean 5S systems, and mentor a small team, while remaining hands-on in testing and quality delivery.

• Lead, supervise and mentor laboratory staff, ensuring training and development;
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and NATA requirements;
• Support the continued establishment and growth of the Canberra laboratory while incorporating Lean 5S principles into daily procedures and workflows.
• Liaise with clients and internal teams on testing schedules and results;
• Conduct hands-on laboratory and field testing, data analysis and reporting;
• Preparation of test reports and generating invoices;
• Review NATA-endorsed reports before client release;
• Oversee equipment maintenance and calibration;
• Ensure strong safety, quality and compliance standards at all times.

This role is well suited to a senior technician ready to step into a leadership position, or an experienced laboratory manager seeking a hands-on role with real influence

About you

You are a proactive, organised and safety-focused professional who enjoys mentoring others and improving systems.

To be successful, you will ideally have:

Essential

• Proven experience in laboratory and field testing of soils, aggregate and concrete testing to relevant Australian standards;
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, Diploma or Degree-qualified;
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and WHS compliance;
• Ability to prepare and report NATA-accredited test reports;
• Strong time management, attention to detail and communication skills;
• Intermediate MS Office skills;
• Australian Driver’s licence (essential).

Desirable

• Previous experience in laboratory supervision or management;
• Nuclear gauge licence (preferred, or willing to obtain);
• Experience implementing or working within Lean/5S systems.

What we offer

• Hands-on training with senior specialists across our Australian wide business;
• Career development pathways, including company-funded studies in laboratory operations;
• Employee Assistance Program for Health & Wellbeing;
• Discount offers on your shopping through our Douglas Good Deals;
• Stable, long-term role in a growing and reputable organisation;
• A work culture that is empowering, fun and inclusive—where people matter!

To be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in Australia with no restrictions.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.