Laboratory Manager

Do amazing work 

A career with Viva Energy is more than just a job. It’s a chance to join a group of people dedicated to supporting Australia’s evolving energy and convenience needs. We’re a leading retail, industrial and energy business, and we’ve been helping Australians reach their destination for more than 120 years.  

Our plans for the future support Australia’s energy transition to sustainable, lower carbon energy solutions.  Through our acquisitions of Coles Express and OTR, we provide Australians with outstanding convenience. 

At the heart of our plans is people power. People who want to grow and evolve with us. People with new perspectives, energy and passion to drive Viva Energy and their careers forward.  

Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery employs around 700 people and supplies over 50 percent of Victoria’s and 10 percent of Australia’s fuel.  The refinery can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, manufacturing petrol, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, avgas, bitumen, specialty solvents for a wide range of industries. 

We have an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and decisive Laboratory Manager to join our Energy & Infrastructure team in Geelong. This role is critical to ensuring the integrity and quality of hydrocarbon products across a diverse range—from LPG through to Bitumen.

We are looking for a people-focused leader who can build trust, foster a positive team culture, and provide clear, consistent direction within the laboratory workforce. Success in this role will come from balancing strong leadership with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to working constructively with employees and stakeholders whilst making firm decisions and maintaining accountability in a complex and demanding environment.

Reporting to the Head of Supply Assurance, you will lead a high-performing laboratory team of approximately 20 staff operating in a fast-paced setting with significant testing volumes and tight turnaround expectations. The laboratory conducts a wide range of analyses across plant streams, finished products, and test runs, using significant number of analytical instruments. Additional responsibilities include;

• Lead and manage all laboratory operations, ensuring testing is conducted safely, accurately, and on time.
• Provide strong, consistent leadership—setting clear expectations, addressing performance issues, and driving accountability across a unionised workforce.
• Maintain strict compliance with HSE standards, ISO 9001, and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Manage laboratory performance, including monitoring KPIs and delivering on operational targets.
• Hold full P&L responsibility for the laboratory function.
• Ensure the team is appropriately resourced to meet customer and operational demands.
• Define roles, responsibilities, and standards of performance—and ensure they are understood and upheld.
• Develop capability across the team through structured training, coaching, and competency reassessments.
• Maintain accurate documentation, procedures, and records across all testing and operational activities.
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, safety, and performance.
• Oversee maintenance and reliability of laboratory equipment and assets.

About you

• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in an oil, gas, or chemical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams within an AWARD or structured industrial environment, with a focus on fairness, consistency, and open communication.
• A balanced leadership style—able to set clear expectations while building trust and engagement within the team.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively across all levels, including laboratory teams, operations, and commercial stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of laboratory methods, procedures, and ISO 9001 / ISO 17025 accreditation requirements.
• Sound knowledge of hydrocarbon chemistry and refinery/product streams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient computer skills.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead an established team in a critical function, where your ability to build relationships, lead with clarity, and maintain high standards will directly contribute to operational success.

About Viva Energy 

Join a team that values diversity. Viva Energy is a great place to be yourself. We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, and empower everyone to amplify their voice across the business. We value inclusion because that’s how we get the best outcomes. 

Awarded the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the past five years highlights that we are driven by our people and continuing our focus on making Viva Energy reflect the ever-changing face of Australia.  

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and encourage and support diversity in our traditional and non-traditional roles.

Please note: This role is being sourced through Viva Energy Australia, therefore we will not be accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.

Only applications from candidates holding full working rights for employment in Australia will be considered.

Applications close Monday, 6th July 2026