Senior Quality Control Chemist
About the role
Bayer Crop Science, Pinkenba, is seeking a Senior QC Chemist to play a key role in supporting our Quality Control Laboratory, Production and broader site operations. This role combines hands-on laboratory science with technical leadership and operational influence. You'll remain close to the science while also coaching others, leading investigations, supporting quality systems and driving continuous improvement across the site. It's an ideal opportunity for an experienced QC Chemist looking to step into a broader leadership role without moving away from technical work.
Working closely with the Quality Lead, you will provide technical guidance to the QC team, lead investigations, support audits and quality initiatives, and ensure laboratory activities meet the highest standards of quality, compliance and operational excellence.
What you will be doing
• Providing day-to-day technical leadership, guidance and support to QC laboratory personnel.
• Coordinating laboratory workloads, priorities, resources and shift coverage to support production requirements.
• Conducting and overseeing analytical testing of raw materials, incoming goods, intermediate products and finished products.
• Reviewing and interpreting laboratory results to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting product release activities and the timely release of materials and finished goods.
• Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation including HPLC, GC, Karl Fischer, particle size and rheology equipment.
• Leading investigations into OOS, OOT, deviations, non-conformances and customer complaints.
• Supporting CAPA activities, root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Managing laboratory standards, reagents, consumables, contractors and service providers.
• Preparing and reviewing Certificates of Analysis and maintaining quality system documentation.
• Supporting environmental monitoring, hygiene monitoring, shelf-life and stability programs.
• Partnering closely with Production, Warehousing, Supply Chain and other site stakeholders to meet operational requirements.
• Coaching and developing team capability through training, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Supporting compliance with GLP, GMP, APVMA requirements and internal quality systems.
• Acting as delegate for the Quality Lead when required.
What we are looking for
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated experience within a Quality Control laboratory environment.
• Previous experience in a Senior, Lead or informal leadership role within a laboratory environment will be highly regarded.
• Strong hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation including HPLC and GC.
• Experience investigating OOS, OOT, deviations or non-conformance events.
• Experience working within GLP and/or GMP regulated environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and root cause investigation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance, mentoring and support to others.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within a manufacturing environment.
• Agricultural chemicals, crop protection, chemical manufacturing or FMCG experience will be highly regarded.
• Experience with APVMA regulated products will be advantageous.
• Experience with SAP or similar quality management systems is desirable.
Behaviours That Will Set You Apart
We're particularly interested in people who can demonstrate:
• A proactive, can-do attitude and a willingness to take ownership.
• Strong leadership and coaching capability, with a genuine passion for developing others.
• The ability to build trust and work collaboratively across Quality, Production, Supply Chain and broader site teams.
• Agility and flexibility when priorities change.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound decision-making ability.
• Confidence managing quality issues, audits and competing operational demands.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A team-first mindset with a focus on achieving collective outcomes.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
What success looks like
Success in this role will require a flexible, proactive and team-focused approach. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, can adapt to changing priorities, supports operational requirements across the site, and works collaboratively with Quality, Production and Maintenance teams to achieve shared outcomes. You will be comfortable balancing hands-on laboratory responsibilities with leadership, coaching and continuous improvement activities while maintaining a strong focus on quality and customer outcomes.
When applying, we'd like to understand
• Your experience within agricultural chemicals, chemical manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• Your experience with HPLC, GC and method validation.
• Examples of how you've led, coached or supported a laboratory team.
• What motivates you to apply for this opportunity.
Please note: This position requires full unrestricted work rights in Australia.
At Bayer Crop Science, we're helping to shape the future of agriculture through innovation, advanced breeding, and data-driven research. .
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help develop the next generation of vegetable varieties for growers around the world.
Be part of something bigger!
At Bayer, we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity, and sheer dedication, always learning from the unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities, and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.
Be you @ Bayer
We are committed to creating a culture where people can be their best, in an environment that values inclusion, diversity and flexibility. At Bayer everyone belongs, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or gender identity.
We encourage First Nations people to apply.
We also welcome applicants with diverse educational backgrounds, professional knowledge, personality types, thinking styles and life experiences.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to please let us know.
At Bayer we support your career. Ready to join our team? Click Apply. For more information about this role and the innovative suite of benefits on offer, get in contact with our Talent Acquisition Team via jobs.anz@bayer.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Recruitment agencies please note that this position will be managed via our in-house Talent Acquisition Team.
Bayer does not accept any unsolicited resumes.
Location: Australia : Queensland : Brisbane || Australia : Queensland : Pinkenba
Division: Crop Science
Reference Code: 881578