DescriptionDowner's WA asphalt business is changing what its technical function does.
Our two NATA accredited laboratories at Gosnells and Hope Valley each have a supervisor running the bench, supported by mobile testing capability across regional WA.
With day-to-day operations in capable hands, the labs now need direct technical leadership and strategic management.
We are looking for a Technical Manager to take the function beyond testing and turn it into a capability that wins work, protects margin and builds people.About the roleReporting to the Production Manager and acting as second in charge, you are accountable for all laboratory operations across both laboratories and our mobile capability.
The operational needs of the labs are managed through your supervisors, which frees you to focus on what the function achieves: process control that shows variation as it happens, mixes that meet specification, perform on site and cost less to make, products of our own, and a lab business that grows.The role is autonomous in how it gets there.
The first six months are spent establishing baselines and real numbers, with targets then set against those figures and a staged action plan agreed for delivery.What you will ownOverall accountability for laboratory operations, NATA accreditation and quality systems, delivered through the laboratory supervisorsAssessment and improvement of QA systems, moving from retrospective checking to process control charting, and holding material suppliers to account against their ITPsThe mix design register and review cycle.
Meeting specification is the floor, not the target.




The work is designing the lowest cost mix that meets it and that crews can place and compact and customers want to buy again, then proving the saving against actual production cost rather than a modelA proprietary product pipeline, with sustainability first: high RAP, warm mix, recycled and modified binders, and lower embodied carbon backed by an EPDAn investigation into what an R&D; capability would take, including WARRIP and AfPA funding channels, grants and university partnerships, with a recommendation either wayGrowth of external testing revenue through business development: identifying who is not being served well, building an offering around turnaround, NATA scope, regional coverage through Albany and technical advice, and owning the client relationshipsThe case for bringing outsourced testing in-house, costed on equipment, NATA scope and technician time, and a continuous improvement approach across the labs applying Lean Six Sigma where it fitsA training needs analysis, training plan and succession plan behind every critical position, so that no test and no site depends on one personTest methods, mix design approvals, laboratory systems, technician development and the decision to stop production or supply on technical grounds sit with you.




Second in charge responsibilities bring exposure to pricing, tender review and capital cases.About youDeep expertise in asphalt and bituminous materials, mix design and MRWA specificationsCurrent or recent NATA Approved Signatory for asphalt and bituminous materials testingExperience leading a NATA accredited laboratory or technical function under ISO/IEC *****A commercial mindset: you can cost a case, price an offering and hold a client conversationA track record of improving something, not just maintaining itComfort with data, statistical process control and building the reporting that lets a team act on itTertiary qualification in engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related field, or equivalent experienceCurrent driver's licence and White CardDowner 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 advantages including:Tool of trade vehicleRelocation asstiance avaliable for interstate candidates seeking a career and lifestyle move to Perth WACareer development opportunities, including leadership programs like Thrive and Own CareerBeing part of an industry-leading company committed to safety, innovation and operational excellenceAccess to Perks@Downer, offering discounts on retail, travel and entertainmentTo join the Downer team please "apply now".
We respectfully request no recruitment agency approaches.
Please be advised that email applications will not be accepted.

📌 Technical Manager - Asphalt | Perth Relocation Opportunity (Melbourne)
🏢 Downer
📍 Melbourne