Laboratory Manager

Qualia Wine Services Pty; Irymple; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualia Wine Services Pty Ltd in Irymple, Victoria, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead our laboratory operations and support winemaking, production and quality teams. You will own laboratory performance and ensure the accuracy, quality and reliability of analytical services that underpin our wine operations.

You will provide leadership, manage budgets and resources, uphold quality systems and drive continuous improvement across the winery, collaborating with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' experience in laboratory management, including vintage operations.
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Operations, or an equivalent qualification.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Experience managing laboratory systems, equipment, quality processes and resources.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365 and production or inventory management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Proactive approach to staff development, customer service and continuous improvement.
• Current driver's licence and the flexibility to undertake occasional work outside normal business hours.
• Tertiary qualifications in Wine Science, Chemistry, Food Science or related discipline will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing laboratory team.
• Oversee the accuracy, reliability and integrity of laboratory analytical results.
• Manage laboratory quality systems, procedures, audits and compliance requirements.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated and fit for purpose.
• Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, staffing and resource requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate trade samples to ensure quality and timely delivery to customers.
• Promote a strong culture of workplace health, safety and continuous improvement.
• Plan laboratory resources to meet the demands of vintage and peak production periods.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support operational and quality objectives across the winery.

Skills

Laboratory management

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Attention to detail

Education

Certificate IV in Laboratory Operations

Wine Science or related discipline (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Production or inventory management systems

Job description

Qualia Wine Services is a dynamic 60,000-tonne winery producing a diverse range of quality bottled and bulk wines for domestic and export markets. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager to lead our laboratory operations in Irymple, supporting our winemaking, production and quality teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of laboratory performance and play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, quality and reliability of the analytical services that support our wine operations.

About the Role

Reporting to the Department Manager, you will provide leadership, technical expertise and strategic oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring our people, systems, equipment and processes meet operational, quality and compliance requirements.

Working closely with our winemaking, cellar, production and quality teams, you will balance strong technical capability with effective leadership to deliver laboratory services that support wine quality, production efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing laboratory team.

Oversee the accuracy, reliability and integrity of laboratory analytical results.

Manage laboratory quality systems, procedures, audits and compliance requirements.

Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated and fit for purpose.

Manage laboratory budgets, purchasing, staffing and resource requirements.

Provide technical guidance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Coordinate trade samples to ensure quality and timely delivery to customers.

Promote a strong culture of workplace health, safety and continuous improvement.

Plan laboratory resources to meet the demands of vintage and peak production periods.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support operational and quality objectives across the winery.

About You

You are a confident and organised leader who combines sound technical knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach. You can effectively manage competing priorities, make informed decisions and motivate a team to consistently deliver high-quality results.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

A minimum of five years' experience in laboratory management, including vintage operations.

Certificate IV in Laboratory Operations, or an equivalent qualification.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Experience managing laboratory systems, equipment, quality processes and resources.

Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office 365 and production or inventory management systems.

The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.

A proactive approach to staff development, customer service and continuous improvement.

A current driver's licence and the flexibility to undertake occasional work outside normal business hours when required.

Tertiary qualifications in Wine Science, Chemistry, Food Science or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

About us

Qualia Wine Services Pty Ltd, located at 15 Campbell Avenue, Irymple Victoria 3498 Australia.

Why Join Qualia Wine Services?

This is an opportunity to step into a key leadership role within a large-scale winery operation, where your expertise and decisions will directly influence wine quality, production efficiency and customer satisfaction.

At Qualia Wine Services, you will have the opportunity to:

Lead and develop a skilled laboratory team.

Influence laboratory strategy, systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work closely with experienced winemaking and production professionals.

Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of wines across domestic and export markets.

Contribute to the success of a our wine operation.

Enjoy the lifestyle and opportunities of the Sunraysia region while building your career with a progressive business.