Senior Technical Manager, School of Chemical Engineering

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education seeks a Senior Technical Manager to lead technical operations within their Chemical Engineering School. This role involves overseeing laboratory management, ensuring safety compliance, and managing budgets while fostering innovation and collaboration. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chemical engineering principles, extensive project management experience, and a commitment to creating a high-quality research environment. Join a diverse community dedicated to excellence in education and research, and make a meaningful impact in the field of chemical engineering.

Benefits

17% Superannuation

Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas

Access to lifelong learning and career development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing laboratory operations and technical staff.
• Ability to implement safety systems and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Strong project management experience overseeing academic and technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical operations and infrastructure projects within the school.
• Lead laboratory management and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with university leadership on long-term infrastructure planning.

Skills

Tertiary qualifications in science or engineering

Understanding of chemical engineering principles

Analytical techniques knowledge

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience in safety systems

Education

Tertiary qualifications in a science or engineering discipline

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Database management systems

Job description

The Opportunity

The School of Chemical Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW, is seeking a motivated Senior Technical Manager to oversee technical operations, support, and infrastructure projects within the school. You'll develop and implement school-wide policies and procedures ensuring the efficient operation of laboratories and technical services while maintaining compliance with UNSW and statutory guidelines.

In this role, you'll lead laboratory management, allocate resources, and direct a team to create a high-quality teaching and research environment. You'll provide technical expertise, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, optimise resource use, manage budgets, and oversee asset purchasing. Beyond daily operations, you'll collaborate with Faculty and University leadership to shape long-term infrastructure planning and drive innovation in technical services.

This role reports to the Head of School.

• Salary, Broadbanded 8/9 - $123,044 to $151,744 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Continuing (permanent)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• On-site role

About Us

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

This position is based within the School of Chemical Engineering that is well known in the industry as a top provider of quality education and cutting-edge research. We’re ranked 13th in the world and 1st in Australia by the NTU Ranking of Scientific Papers. Our aim is to deliver the best we possibly can to the future of Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and Food Science and Technology. Our passionate academics are eager to share their vast knowledge and experience with graduate students and we’re at the forefront of innovation and emerging technologies through several international research groups and centres. For further information about our school go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/chemical-engineering

Skills & Experience

Level 8

• Tertiary qualifications in a science or engineering based discipline with extensive work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience within a tertiary education or research environment
• A sound understanding of chemical engineering industrial chemistry and/or food science principles and their practical implementation
• Demonstrated ability in developing, implementing and managing systems, including purchasing, asset management, repairs and maintenance across a large work unit
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of instrument analytical techniques
• Extensive knowledge of hazardous materials and dangerous goods (HMDG) and their safe management
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Demonstrated ability to implement equal opportunity policies and programs
• Extensive experience implementing safety systems
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training

Level 9 (in addition to the above)

• Considerable experience in overseeing the operations of a large laboratory facilities and or design and manufacturing facilities including managing specialist technical/professional staff
• Extensive project management experience with a demonstrated ability to plan, oversee and manage projects involving academic, technical staff and students
• Experience at a senior level in leading and managing staff including proven change management leadership and successful experience in budget and financial management
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills together with demonstrated expertise in building effective working relationships
• Ability and capacity to identify, assess, prioritise and control the risks to health and safety of staff, students and visitors

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

To Apply:

Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position and must be able to work on-site in Kensington.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: [e-mail]

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 25 May 2025

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.