Job no: QMCAC Category: Government and Defence
Central Highlands Water is a major regional employer, and we want you to join us!
About us
At CHW we provide drinking water, sewerage, trade waste and recycled water services to residents and businesses in the Central Highlands region of Victoria. We are a public sector employer with a proud history spanning more than 150 years of supporting regional prosperity through service excellence.
Central Highlands Water is a growing business which strives to create a thriving and sustainable region by providing the highest quality water related service to our diverse customer base. This opportunity is a vital role to shape the future of how our services support our community.
The opportunity
As the Manager Laboratory Services, you will lead and foster a high-performance, respectful, and safety-focused team culture, ensuring the delivery of timely, high-quality analytical and sampling services to both internal and external customers. You will oversee the maintenance and continuous improvement of laboratory quality systems, including NATA accreditation and OH&S compliance. The role involves building and managing strong relationships with key customers to establish and uphold clear service levels and contractual agreements. Working within organisational policies and regulatory frameworks, you will drive efficient and effective outcomes aligned with organisational goals.
About you
Safety is our No. 1 priority, and we expect you will actively contribute to and foster a 'safety first' culture that supports our aspiration of zero harm. This means you care deeply about the physical and psychological safety of people so that our team return home in great shape at the end of the day.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
* Degree in Applied Science or similar, with 8 to 10 years of senior laboratory experience.
* Post graduate qualification in business management is preferred.
* Significant people leadership within a scientific or laboratory environment
* Proven senior experience with the operations of a NATA accredited analytical services laboratory.
* Proven people leadership skills with a focus on delivery outcomes, safety, people centricity and development.
* Current Victorian Drivers Licence.
* Demonstrated use of databases and laboratory information management systems.
What's in it for you?
Working for one of the region's largest employers you will be part of an organisation that is high achieving, cohesive and always striving for better customer outcomes. We're full of \"everyday people\" that are great to work with and reflect our community!
We're offering a supportive environment and offer a huge range of employee options and benefits. Other benefits include accrued time off, generous leave options, professional development, industry collaboration, health and wellbeing programs and a supportive management team.
At CHW you will:
* Have access to training and development opportunities that will further develop your knowledge and skills.
* Work in an organisation that makes a difference to our community.
* Be part of an organisation that cares about you, your safety and wellbeing.
How to apply
If you want to make a positive impact through meaningful work and have the energy, courage and ideas to take on a challenge, we’d love to hear from you! be redirected to our website and for a copy of the Position Description. While you are on our website, take a look around. You won't be disappointed!
* Please ensure you provide a cover letter and your resume.
* You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be assessed upon receipt and the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.
Have questions?
For a confidential chat about the role, please contact Bridget Clark on 0428 725 983.
Applications close 5pm Thursday 14 May 2026.
* Please note, as part of our selection process, we conduct pre-appointment checks including those related to references, identity, fitness to work, qualifications, work history, work visa, misconduct and police record history.
* This role may be subject to a probation period.
We welcome applications from people with disability and aim to provide an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please contact Bridget Clark.
If you need a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please email .
At CHW we are dedicated to supporting our team's physical and mental wellbeing. We assist our team to develop, as people and as leaders. We value diversity and inclusion - our workforce is a place where the melding of a range of views and perspectives is celebrated.