State Technical Manager

Downer; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of Trade Vehicle

Career development opportunities

Perks@Downer discounts

Safety and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced State Technical Manager to lead Queensland Surfacing technical functions from Brendale or Brisbane Airport. You will head technical governance, QA, compliance, laboratory operations and product innovation across the state.

You will manage a team of technical specialists, ensure NATA compliance, foster safety and continuous improvement, and build strong client and regulatory relationships while driving pavement solutions and optimising laboratory networks.

Qualifications

• Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Science or related discipline.
• 10+ years in technical, laboratory management or pavement operations leadership.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt, bituminous surfacing, pavement materials and laboratory operations.
• Experience managing NATA accreditation requirements and quality assurance systems.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with clients, regulators and internal teams.
• Experience leading technical teams across geographically dispersed operations.
• Proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead Queensland's technical, quality and laboratory functions across regions.
• Maintain compliance with TMR specifications and NATA accreditation.
• Drive innovation and product development across asphalt, spray seal and recycling.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced pavement solutions and recycled materials.
• Support operations with technical advice, QA, risk management and improvements.
• Build relationships with clients, associations and regulators.
• Develop and mentor technical teams with a culture of safety and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Assurance

Laboratory Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Leadership

Education

Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Science

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 State Technical Manager to lead our Queensland Surfacing technical function and drive excellence across quality, compliance, innovation and laboratory operations.

Based out of our offices in Brendale or Brisbane Airport, this senior leadership role is the principal technical authority for our Queensland Surfacing business. You will be responsible for protecting and enhancing Downer's licence to operate by providing strategic leadership across technical governance, quality assurance, compliance, laboratory operations and product innovation.

Leading a team of technical specialists and laboratory professionals, you will establish a consistent statewide framework across laboratories, asphalt plants, spray seal operations and bitumen manufacturing facilities while ensuring compliance with Transport and Main Roads (TMR), NATA accreditation requirements and client prequalification standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Queensland's technical, quality and laboratory functions across multiple regions and operations.
• Maintain compliance with TMR specifications, NATA accreditation requirements and quality management systems.
• Drive innovation and product development initiatives across asphalt, spray seal and recycling technologies.
• Provide technical leadership for advanced pavement solutions including High RAP technologies, EME2, proprietary asphalt mixes and recycled materials.
• Support operational teams through technical advice, quality assurance, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, industry associations and regulatory authorities.
• Develop and mentor technical teams, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and professional excellence.
• Champion Downer's Zero Harm culture and ensure compliance with all safety, environmental and regulatory obligations.

ABOUT YOU

• Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Science or a related discipline (preferred).
• More than 10 years' experience in a technical, laboratory management or pavement operations leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt, bituminous surfacing, pavement materials and laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing NATA accreditation requirements and quality assurance systems.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build credibility with clients, regulators and internal teams.
• Experience leading technical teams across geographically dispersed operations.
• A proactive approach to innovation, continuous improvement and developing future-ready solutions.

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.