Compounds Australia Operations Manager

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Compounds Australia, located within the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, provides services critical to the Australian drug discovery research sector, accelerating translational research by providing access to high value compound libraries, specialist infrastructure, and compound management expertise. By securely storing and curating sample libraries, we allow translational health researchers worldwide to outsource their sample handling logistics and focus on results.  Through specialist infrastructure and expertise, we’re pursuing a vision to transform sample management practice in Australia, in support of smarter, faster and more efficient drug discovery. The national facility is hosted within Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, which comprises more than 400 researchers and professional staff who are dedicated to the development of novel therapies, vaccines and diagnostics for diseases of global impact and the translation of new solutions to improve human health.

Compounds Australia is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to play a critical leadership role in the delivery and continuous improvement of services at Australia's national compound management and logistics facility. Reporting to the Facility Manager, you will lead operational activities, manage a skilled technical team, and optimise systems, workflows, and resources supporting nationally significant biomedical research.

This role is ideal for a proven manager with strong experience in operational process development, service delivery, and team leadership who is eager to learn, grow technical expertise, and actively contribute alongside the team while helping shape the facility's future direction. Demonstrable expertise in automation and/or sample management is required. Experience in laboratory automation and/or sample management is required, together with a commitment to further develop this expertise through on-the-job training.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Lead facility operations. Manage the day-to-day operations of the national facility, ensuring efficient service delivery, resource planning, scheduling, reporting, and client satisfaction while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and operational performance.
• Manage and improve processes. Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures to maximise efficiency, support growth, and ensure effective use of advanced automation technologies and facility resources.
• Develop People and Strategic Partnerships. Lead and develop the Operations Team, build strong relationships with research and industry clients, and contribute to strategic initiatives that advance facility capabilities and support evolving user needs.
• Support strategic growth and innovation by contributing to infrastructure projects, introducing new technologies, and working closely with the Facility Manager to enhance facility performance and capabilities.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will hold tertiary qualifications or equivalent combination of relevant knowledge and experience in a biomedical or chemistry science discipline in combination with experience in automation, liquid handling robotics, and data management.

In addition to the above, you will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience leading operational teams and managing service delivery, including resource planning, workflow optimisation, performance management, and the development and implementation of operational processes and procedures that drive efficiency, quality outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing complex technical, laboratory, research, manufacturing, or service-based operations, with the ability to adapt to new technologies, systems, and ways of working in a dynamic environment. Advanced data handling skills and attention to detail are essential.
• A strong foundational knowledge of the sample management and drug discovery processes, with experience in laboratory automation and/or liquid handling robotics.
• Proven ability to contribute as a collaborative leader, building strong stakeholder relationships, working effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and influencing positive outcomes as a trusted member of a team. Utilise excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills to establish and maintain productive relationships with clients, researchers, industry partners, vendors and suppliers.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with experience managing complex datasets, laboratory information systems, or related software platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, quality systems, and laboratory safety practices.
• Experience contributing to strategic initiatives, infrastructure projects, or the implementation of new technologies and operational capabilities.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering high-quality services in a dynamic and technology-driven environment.

What we can offer
This is a fixed term (two years), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 8 is in the range $117,579 - $132,273 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $137,567 - $154,759 per annum.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Rebecca Lang, Compounds Australia Facility Manager on [email protected].

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected].

Closing date: Friday, 21 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.