Technical Manager, Asphalt Lab & Growth Leader

Downer; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of trade vehicle

Relocation assistance

Leadership programs Thrive

Own Career

Perks@Downer discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer seeks a Technical Manager to lead two NATA-accredited laboratories and the mobile testing capability. You will drive process control, ensure cost-effective mix designs, and grow the lab’s capabilities toward a broader testing and R&D function.

You will focus on establishing baselines, setting targets, and delivering an action plan while mentoring supervisors and building a scalable capability.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in asphalt and MRWA specifications.
• Current or recent NATA Approved Signatory for asphalt and bituminous materials testing.
• Experience leading a NATA accredited laboratory or technical function under ISO/IEC 17025.
• Commercial mindset: cost a case, price an offering, and hold client conversations.

Responsibilities

• Own laboratory operations across two laboratories and mobile capability.
• Improve QA systems and move to process control with ITPs.
• Design the lowest-cost mix that meets specs and is field-placing.
• Develop a proprietary, sustainability-focused product pipeline.
• Explore R&D capability with WARRIP and AfPA funding channels.
• Grow external testing revenue through business development and client relationships.
• Assess bringing outsourced testing in-house with Lean Six Sigma approach.
• Create training and succession plans for critical roles.

Skills

Asphalt expertise

NATA signatory

ISO17025 leadership

Commercial mindset

Data analytics

Education

Engineering degree

Materials science background

Tools

Lab management software

SPC tools

Job description

Downer seeks a Technical Manager to lead two NATA-accredited laboratories and the mobile testing capability. You will drive process control, ensure cost-effective mix designs, and grow the lab’s capabilities toward a broader testing and R&D function.

You will focus on establishing baselines, setting targets, and delivering an action plan while mentoring supervisors and building a scalable capability.