Operations Manager- Laboratory

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager-Laboratory to lead the day‑to‑day operation and performance of our client’s Laboratory based in Mackay, Queensland.

About the Role
You will be accountable for the effective management of laboratory operations, ensuring all testing activities are delivered safely, accurately, and in full compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and Australian standards. This role provides hands‑on leadership to laboratory teams and plays a key role in maintaining operational discipline, technical integrity, and continuous improvement.
This position requires strong technical credibility, experience within regulated testing environments, and the ability to lead teams in a high‑throughput, industrial laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily laboratory operations, including sample receipt, testing, analysis, and reporting
• Lead and supervise laboratory personnel, including rostering, training, competency assessment, and performance management
• Ensure all testing and reporting aligns with ISO, NATA accreditation requirements, Australian Standards, and client specifications
• Maintain and continuously improve quality, health, safety, and environmental systems
• Investigate non‑conformances and implement corrective and preventative actions
• Support and participate in internal and external audits and accreditation activities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, turnaround time, and data integrity
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, and laboratory readiness
• Prepare operational reports and contribute to performance reviews

About You

• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Geology, Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (essential)
• Unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Proven experience managing laboratory operations in a coal testing environment 
• Working knowledge of ISO standards, NATA accreditation, and Australian Standards
• Sound understanding of quality systems, compliance, and risk management
• Ability to lead, develop, and engage technical teams
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and operational discipline

Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional to take ownership of laboratory operations, quality outcomes, and team performance within a well‑established coal and industrial testing environment.
Apply Now
Submit your CV or contact us on 07 3175 0680 for a confidential discussion.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.