About the Company 

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

We are looking for an experienced Laboratory Operations Manager to lead the efficient and effective delivery of our laboratory testing services - critical to ensuring the safety of South Australia’s water and the wellbeing of our communities.

In this key leadership role, you will manage day-to-day operations across a multi-disciplinary laboratory environment, ensuring testing services are delivered accurately, on time, and to the highest standards. You will lead and support a team of skilled supervisors, enabling them to perform at their best through strong coaching, resource planning, and clear direction.

Beyond operational excellence, you will actively contribute to planning, continuous improvement, and customer service initiatives. Your leadership will help shape a high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, innovation, and collaboration - ensuring our laboratory services continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the business.

This ongoing opportunity is available immediately.

About the person

With a strong focus on people, performance, and purpose, you are skilled at building cohesive teams, navigating operational challenges, and driving continuous improvement. You value quality, safety, and innovation, and bring a customer-first mindset to everything you do. Above all, you are passionate about using science to make a positive impact on communities, health, and the environment.

About Science and Strategy

The Science and Strategy group employs scientific approaches to address present and upcoming challenges. They execute a strategy driven by customer preferences to elevate the SA Water brand and position us for future success.

In addition, your responsibilities will include: 

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day. 

You will: 

• Lead, develop, and coach a team of laboratory supervisors, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee the operational delivery of laboratory testing services, ensuring results meet customer specifications and are delivered on time and in full.
• Effectively manage laboratory resources—including instruments, consumables, and staffing—to meet testing demand and maintain productivity.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with ISO17025 and ISO9001 standards and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Achieve financial budget, efficiency and productivity targets for the day-to-day Laboratory operations.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, auditors, and customers.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Significant experience in a scientific leadership or laboratory operations role.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and high self-awareness.
• Experience managing laboratory budgets, equipment, and resources.
• A passion for quality, continuous improvement, and innovation in science.
• Tertiary qualifications in science and/or business (desirable).

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Manager Laboratory Operations.

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Despina Livadiotis from the Talent Acquisition team despina.livadiotis@sawater.com.au.

Applications close 11:55pm, 30 April 2025.

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.