Technical Manager – Asphalt Labs & Process Excellence

First Nations Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of trade vehicle

Relocation asstiance avaliable for…

Career development opportunities, Thrӕ

Safety, innovation and operational.ex

Perks@Downer discounts

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Technical Manager to lead two NATA accredited laboratories in WA and a mobile testing capability. You will drive process control, cost-effective mix designs, and a growth strategy that expands testing revenue while protecting margins.

You will report to Production Manager as second in charge, build baselines, and establish targets with an action plan for delivery. Leadership, governance, and strategic involvement are core parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in asphalt and MRWA specifications.
• Current or recent NATA Approved Signatory for asphalt testing.
• Experience leading a NATA accredited laboratory or ISO/IEC 17025 function.
• Commercial mindset: cost and price offerings, client conversations.
• Proven track record of improving processes, not just maintaining.
• Comfort with data, SPC and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory operations across two labs and mobile capability.
• Ensure NATA accreditation and quality systems via supervisors.
• Develop QA processes and supplier accountability.
• Manage mix design register and cost-effective mixes.
• Lead R&D capability exploration with funding channels and university partnerships.
• Grow external testing revenue through business development and client relationships.
• Evaluate bringing outsourced testing in-house and drive continuous improvement.
• Implement training and succession planning for critical roles.

Skills

Deep expertise in asphalt and bitumen

Data analysis and SPC

Commercial mindset

Leadership and people development

Costing and pricing

Education

Engineering, materials science or chemistry degree

Current driver’s licence

White Card

Equivalent experience

Tools

NATA accreditation processes

Job description

Downer is seeking a Technical Manager to lead two NATA accredited laboratories in WA and a mobile testing capability. You will drive process control, cost-effective mix designs, and a growth strategy that expands testing revenue while protecting margins.

You will report to Production Manager as second in charge, build baselines, and establish targets with an action plan for delivery. Leadership, governance, and strategic involvement are core parts of the role.