State Technical Manager

Downer; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of Trade Vehicle

Leadership programs Thrive and Own Car

Perks@Downer discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer in Queensland seeks an experienced State Technical Manager to lead the Queensland Surfacing technical function from Brendale or Brisbane Airport, shaping quality, compliance, innovation and lab operations. You will oversee a statewide lab framework, asphalt plants, spray seal, and bitumen facilities, while ensuring safety, NATA and client standards, and strong client relationships. You will mentor teams, advocate Zero Harm, and deliver future-ready pavement solutions.

Qualifications

• Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Science or related discipline.
• 10+ years in technical, lab or pavement operations leadership.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt, pavements and lab operations.
• Experience managing NATA accreditation and QA systems.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with clients and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead Queensland's technical, quality and laboratory functions across multiple regions and operations.
• Maintain compliance with TMR, NATA and quality management systems.
• Drive innovation across asphalt, spray seal and recycling technologies.
• Provide technical leadership for High RAP, EME2 and recycled materials.
• Support operations with technical advice, QA, risk management and CI.
• Build relationships with clients, industry bodies and regulators.
• Develop and mentor technical teams fostering safety and excellence.
• Champion Downer's Zero Harm culture and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Quality assurance

Stakeholder engagement

Laboratory operations

Safety culture

Education

Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Science

Job description

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.

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.