Metals & Wet Chemistry Supervisor

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. 

About the Role

ALS Food & Pharmaceutical Division operates a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory in Rydalmere, Sydney, serving a diverse client base. We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced Supervisor to join our Metals & Wet Chemistry team and drive technical excellence and operational efficiency. 

This role is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM. 

Day to Day 

You will be accountable for:

• Take ownership of the Metals & Wet Chemistry function, providing leadership, direction and decision-making accountability to ensure safe, compliant and efficient laboratory operations. 

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring analyst competency through effective training, coaching, performance management and capability development. 

• Drive safety performance and foster a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with HSE requirements and proactively identifying and managing risks. 

• Manage laboratory capacity planning, resource allocation and workload balancing to optimise staff utilisation and meet current and future business demands. 

• Accountable for turnaround time performance, prioritising workflow and coordinating laboratory activities to consistently achieve client and operational commitments. 

• Ensure GMP, GLP and quality system compliance, maintaining data integrity, effective quality control practices and audit readiness across the department. 

• Own OOS, OOT, non-conformance and deviation management processes, driving timely investigations, effective root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions. 

• Provide technical leadership for analytical operations, including instrumentation performance, method compliance, change control and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Monitor and improve key operational metrics including safety performance, turnaround time compliance, staff utilisation, analyst competency, investigation effectiveness and OOS reduction. 

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Technical and Client Services teams to make informed decisions that support business performance, customer satisfaction and laboratory excellence. 

• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and achieving performance targets agreed with the Laboratory Manager. 

• Ensure full induction of new team members and facilitate performance reviews. 

• Participate in audits and maintain the ALS F&P Quality System within the team. 

Essential Skills, Experience & Knowledge: 

• Degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a related scientific discipline. 

• 5+ years' experience in an analytical laboratory, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities. 

• Demonstrated laboratory leadership experience within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, food, environmental or contract testing laboratory. 

• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop technical teams, building analyst competency and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 

• Sound understanding of GMP, GLP, quality systems, data integrity requirements and regulatory compliance. 

• Experience managing OOS, OOT, deviations, non-conformances, root cause investigations and CAPA activities. 

• Demonstrated ability to make sound operational and technical decisions in a fast-paced laboratory environment. 

• Experience with capacity planning, resource allocation and workload balancing to maximise productivity and turnaround time performance. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and investigation skills, with the ability to identify trends and drive effective solutions. 

• Proven track record of delivering operational KPIs including safety, turnaround times, staff utilisation, quality and customer service outcomes. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across Operations, Quality, Technical and Client Service functions. 

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. 

• Commitment to health, safety and environmental excellence, with experience promoting a positive safety culture. 

• Results-oriented with a strong focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

• Confident decision-maker who takes ownership and accountability for team performance, quality outcomes and customer commitments. 

• Able to influence stakeholders, manage change and drive performance through clear expectations and effective leadership. 

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence. 

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us. 

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request. 

Eligibility
To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply
Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.