Technical Manager - Industry

Sika; Australia; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Training and development

Supportive culture and equal oportunit

Job summary

Sika Australia is seeking a Technical Services Leader to define and drive a lab and technical services strategy aligned with key industry objectives. You will oversee lab testing, substrate compatibility, adhesion evaluations, and durability studies, ensuring high-quality documentation and QA practices.

The role requires leading technical teams, collaborating with Sales and R&D, and delivering on-site trials, training, and workshops.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related discipline.
• 5+ years in Technical Service, Application Engineering or R&D in specialty chemicals/adhesives/sealants.
• Experience leading technical teams and lab operations.
• Willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical services strategy aligned with Industry targets.
• Oversee laboratory testing, substrate compatibility/adhesion evaluations, durability testing, and equipment simulations.

Skills

Technical leadership

Lab operations

Technical service

Application engineering

R&D in specialty chemicals

Adhesive applications

Substrate compatibility

Cross-functional projects

Presentations

Willing to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering / Materials Science / Polymer Chemistry / Mechanical Engineering

Job description

## About the Role**Technical Leadership & Lab Operations*** Define and execute the technical services strategy aligned with Industry target market objectives.* Oversee laboratory testing, substrate compatibility/adhesion evaluations, durability testing, and application equipment/robotic simulations.* Maintain high standards of technical documentation, test reports, SOPs, and QA guidelines.**Customer & On-Site Technical Support*** Provide expert guidance on product selection, joint design, surface preparation, and application methods across Industry segments.* Lead on-site customer trials, mock-ups, plant audits, and production-line validations.* Deliver rapid root-cause analysis (RCA), troubleshooting, and corrective actions for application challenges.* Facilitate technical workshops, customer training, and best-practice application coaching.**Commercial Enablement & Collaboration*** Partner with Sales, BDMs, and R&D to translate technical expertise into commercial success and secured specifications.* Manage product validation documentation and compliance approvals (including PPAP for automotive/industrial accounts).* Provide actionable customer feedback and market insights to R&D and Product Management for NPD.**Operational Excellence*** Prioritize lab projects, resource allocation, and workflow management to ensure rapid turnaround times.* Actively collaborate with regional and global technical networks and Competence Centres to leverage best practices.## Your Skills and Experience* Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.* 5+ years of progressive experience in Technical Service, Application Engineering, or R&D within specialty chemicals, adhesives, sealants, or industrial/automotive materials (e.g., Polyurethane, Silicone, SMP/MS Polymers, Epoxy, or Acrylics).* Practical knowledge of adhesive and sealant application technologies, substrate compatibility, structural bonding, façade/fenestration, or automotive/industrial manufacturing.* Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, lab operations, and cross-functional technical projects.* Excellent consultative presentation, troubleshooting, and stakeholder-facing skills, with the willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support.### Why Join UsAs a market leader, Sika Australia understands and recognizes the contribution employees make to the success of our business.In return for your experience and commitment, you will be rewarded with,* A competitive salary package.* A supportive working environment with a strong, positive company culture* We invest in our employees – you will be provided with all relevant training and development.We thank you in advance for your application, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.**Applicants must have valid AU working rights.**Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Pre-Employment Medical including a drug and alcohol screen.*Sika Australia is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.**We value and seek diversity in our workforce.****Disclaimer – Sika Australia does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Sika Australia is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.***We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.