As the Technical & Laboratory Manager, you will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of our Teralba and Bathurst laboratories, ensuring compliance with internal systems, industry standards, and NATA accreditation requirements.
Based out of Teralba, you will provide expert technical support to production teams and contracting operations, while also playing a strategic role in advancing new material technologies—including High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements (RAP) initiatives—and influencing broader business improvement and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee and maintain laboratory equipment, calibrations, testing processes, and accurate reporting within the Laboratory Information Management System.
* Review test results and mix designs, ensuring conformance to specifications and providing technical support to production teams and contracting operations.
* Act as NATA signatory, lead audits, maintain accreditation, and respond to technical queries related to testing operations and compliance.
* Build capability within the laboratory team through training, development, and fostering a high‑engagement, client‑focused culture.
* Maintain strong internal and external relationships, including clients, regulators, production teams, and industry bodies, ensuring requirements and expectations are met.
* Drive innovation and continuous improvement, including mix optimisation, new material development (e.g., High RAP), and contribution to broader business strategy.
* Lead and champion safety, quality, and environmental compliance across all laboratory operations.
What You'll Bring
* Diploma or higher in Laboratory Operations.
* NATA qualification Level 4 (Level 5 preferred).
* Demonstrated experience supervising laboratory staff.
* Extensive background in construction materials testing, preferably asphalt.
* NATA signatory experience and strong understanding of NATA audit processes.
* Proven ability to lead technical improvements and drive performance outcomes.
* Strong leadership and team‑building capability.
* High integrity, strong communication and organisational skills.
* Adaptability in a changing environment and confidence in client-facing settings.
* Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Downer is a company that believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work-life balance, and above benchmark services. We also offer a range of benefits including:
* Tool of Trade Vehicle.
* A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP, Beyond Blue and health insurance discounts.
* Access to, which offers discounts and savings on various products, including retail items, travel deals and entertainment options.
To join the Downer team please click "Apply Now". We respectfully request no recruitment agency approaches. Please be advised that email applications will not be accepted.
Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.
At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.
Downer's Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers' challenges, and for our communities.