Lab Manager - Biology

Are you ready to lead a high-performing team in a purpose-driven organisation that safeguards Sydney’s water future?

We’re looking for a Lab Manager – Biology (12-month fixed term contract) to oversee the operations of our West Ryde laboratory and drive excellence in water quality testing.

About the Role

• Lead a team of 4 Team Leaders and up to 60 Water Quality Analysts
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards
• Deliver high-quality, cost-effective services that meet performance and financial targets
• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive, and future-focused organisation

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Head of Laboratory Services, you will be responsible for:
• Managing people, budgets, assets, and projects to meet utilisation and performance targets
• Leading and developing staff, ensuring inclusivity and the right people are in the right roles
• Maintaining ISO certifications and laboratory accreditation
• Advising senior management on technical, policy, and operational matters
• Building strong client relationships and identifying future service opportunities
• Ensuring WHS responsibilities are met, and safety and wellbeing culture is continuously improved

About You

You are a strategic thinker and people leader with a passion for science and service. You bring:

• Demonstrated experience in laboratory operations (ISO 17025 environment preferred)
• Demonstrated inclusive leadership
• Strong background in water and wastewater microbiology and/or biology 
• Proven ability to manage teams, resources, and budgets
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Knowledge of laboratory costing, QA/QC, and analytical procedures

We welcome applicants who are ready to step into leadership—even if you’re not currently managing a team.

Dive into Our Great Benefits:

Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 

Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being. 

At our Labs site there is a strong safety culture, and proactive safety with the onsite physiotherapist, which involves fortnightly stretching and informal yoga sessions from time to time.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture and actively champion & celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success. 

24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal. 

Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.

Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance. 

Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW. 

Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options. 

Closing date: Wednesday 13th August 2025 at 11:59pm

Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process. 

For any further information please contact sukriti.sharma@sydneywater.com.au

Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person.

Working at Sydney Water

At Sydney Water, we are passionate about making a difference to the lives of our customers and communities. We have a proud heritage and progressive future providing world class drinking water and services that are vital to our customers’ quality of life and safeguarding Sydney’s future. We see the world is changing, so we are changing too.

Our vision is to create better lives through world-class services, and we believe that starts with our people. Our people and their jobs are as diverse as the communities we serve. Our diverse skills, mindsets and backgrounds work together on exciting and challenging projects that make a difference and help ensure Sydney remains one of the most iconic and liveable cities in the world.

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.

Please see the job profile for the role’s full accountabilities