Technical Manager - Industry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Sika Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a seasoned Technical Lead for Lab Operations and customer on-site support. You will drive the technical services strategy, oversee lab testing and evaluations, and guide product selection and application methods across industry segments.

The role requires leading technical teams, strong communication, and willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support. Competitive salary and ongoing training are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Technical Service, Application Engineering, or R&D within specialty chemicals, adhesives, sealants, or industrial/automotive materials.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Technical leadership

Presentation skills

Troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Company Description

Sika Australia Pty Ltd is a well-established industry leader in the manufacturing of construction chemicals servicing Construction, Industry, & Mining divisions across Australia.

We are a Global Organization with subsidiaries in over 103 countries around the world, we manufacture in over 400 factories with over 33,000 employees & an expanding team across Australia.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Information

As 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.

Sika Australia offers 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.

Sika Australia uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support the initial screening of job applications based on inherent duties of the role. However, we want to stress that AI does not make final decisions or disqualify candidates from consideration. Applications are carefully reviewed by our experienced hiring managers and recruiters to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process.

By combining the efficiency of AI with the expertise and judgment of our hiring team, we are able to identify top candidates while maintaining a human-centered approach to hiring.