Manager, Laboratory and Technical Services (Engineering and Physical Sciences)

About the role

James Cook University is looking for an experienced leader to run Laboratory and Technical Services (Engineering and Physical Sciences) at its Townsville campus. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary facilities, teams and services, supporting student learning and service outcomes. It is full-time, 36.25 hours per week, and the successful candidate must be based in Townsville or willing to relocate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of laboratory and technical services across analytical, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and several engineering disciplines (chemical, civil, computer systems, electrical and mechanical engineering)
• Ensure practical teaching services are delivered safely, consistently and to agreed standards, timeframes and stakeholder expectations
• Optimise facilities, specialist equipment and other resources to support learning and operational outcomes
• Build a high-performing, collaborative workplace culture, strengthen cross-team planning and drive service consistency, innovation and continuous improvement
• Lead and develop staff capability, manage workload and performance, and give high-level technical and operational advice on feasibility, safety, compliance and resource implications

Required profile

• Relevant qualifications and demonstrated leadership and operational management experience in a complex laboratory, workshop or technical service environment
• Management experience in an engineering, chemistry or comparable technical service environment, with an understanding of complex laboratory, workshop and practical learning environments
• Leadership experience in complex technical environments, with evidence of leading diverse teams and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, innovation and high performance
• Demonstrated experience leading safety and compliance, with strong knowledge of WHS regulations, Australian Standards and risk management for dangerous goods and hazardous machinery
• Experience managing complex service demands across multiple disciplines and locations, planning and coordinating human, financial and physical resources

Required skills

• Strong understanding of workplace health and safety legislation, risk management, incident response and compliance monitoring
• High-level communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, and ability to develop staff and team capability
• Knowledge of contemporary engineering and chemical science technologies, specialised laboratory and workshop equipment, instrumentation and technical facilities
• Familiarity with accreditation body requirements for technical service delivery in engineering and chemistry is highly regarded

What we offer

• Salary of $111,960 - $128,567 per annum plus up to 17% superannuation
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading, 15 days paid sick/carers leave and up to 6 months paid parental leave
• Flexible working options, staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support, Fitness Passport and corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program and on-site childcare and medical services at the Townsville campus

To apply, use the university's online application form, upload a resume and a cover letter addressing the key requirements and selection criteria.