Executive Coordinator Laboratory Commercialisation
Position number
GW1056
iSpot number
44072911
Position classification
Executive contract
Position of Trust (POT)
Organisation unit
Laboratory Services
Operational Performance Branch
Gold Coast Water Directorate
Work centre location
Smart Water Research Centre
Responsibility centre
GW2130
Position validity
Fixed term (3 years)
Date of PD review
31 July 2014
Job evaluation date (P&C Use) 21 August 2014
Position type
Approved Staff Establishment
Performance Appraisal (PtP)
Form B
Reports to position
Manager Operational Performance
Direct reports
18
Delegations/authorisations
Refer to the City of Gold Coast’s Delegations and Authorisations Registers
About Operational Performance
As part of Gold Coast Water (GCW), the Operational Performance Branch establishes documents and maintains
integrated management systems to define and manage all essential operations required for organisation of work flow,
customer fault reporting and response, asset data management and reporting, environmental protection and
reporting, risk control, and incident and emergency management.
Operational Performance is responsible for supporting other Branches to ensure, under normal conditions, a
sufficient and continuous supply of safe and reliable drinking water and recycled water to meet the communities’
reasonable needs and expectations, and the safe collection of sewerage for the protection of human health and
safety. During emergency situations Operational Performance will assist to provide drinking water to critical
customers and service areas, and will support restoration of potable water, recycled water and sewerage services as
quickly as possible when interruptions have occurred.
In undertaking these functions, Operational Performance will ensure protection of the natural and built environment,
and that workplaces are safe not only for workers but also for others, by as far as possible, elimination of avoidable
risks, and control and mitigation of unavoidable risks to the health and safety of workers and the community.
Scientific Services Unit
Scientific Services section consists of a team of chemists, microbiologists, environmental scientists and technical
support staff, who use the latest equipment to perform chemical and microbiological tests on water and sewage
samples. The section is owned by City of Gold Coast (the City) and has a long history of providing reliable analytical
services on a commercial basis to government and water industry customers, as well as members of the public.
City of Gold Coast Scientific Services currently provides NATA accredited sample collection and testing services that
include the chemical analysis of nutrients, metals and organic compounds, as well as microbiological testing for
bacteria, coliphages, algae and parasites. The section also provides support services for operator laboratories at
treatment plants, as well as training, auditing and advisory services relating to water quality monitoring.
Scientific Services is located within the Smart Water Research Centre, as part of Griffith University, and provides a
unique opportunity to create a commercially focused, integrated centre for excellence in water management that
offers water research, sampling and analytical testing, and consulting services at the one location. This co-location
also enables synergies for the commercialisation of novel and emerging laboratory technology, techniques and
systems.
The collaboration between Scientific Services and Smart Water Research Centre offers an opportunity for the
Scientific Services laboratory to grow its business under a more commercial business model and the City of Gold
Coast is seeking to recruit a Commercial Laboratory Manager to lead that transformation.
Position purpose
To lead business improvements which optimise the performance of the Council’s water testing and laboratory
services in a commercial and contestable operating environment, develop business strategies and policies,
commercial management of the Business Units’ operation and have responsibilities for the development and ongoing
realisation of key performance objectives.
The position is responsible for demonstrating value for money in the services provided by the business unit as it
moves towards achieving Council’s contestability objectives and lead the realisation of any market opportunities
brought about by the Smart Water Research Centre partnership.
Working relationships
Working with the Gold Coast Water leadership team, this position will drive the implementation and ongoing review of
the Scientific Services commercialisation strategy, liaising with key stakeholders, suppliers and customers to meet
the City’s objectives.
The position will work with the management team of the Smart Water Research Centre to coordinate mutually
beneficial commercial opportunities, as well as networking with the local and national water industry to develop and
grow appropriate business products and services.
It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record in leveraging existing business
resources to drive efficient commercial outcomes; this will ideally be demonstrated through the leadership of a
change management process in another role.
Key position responsibilities
Responsibilities and duties of the role include, but are not limited to:
Commercial Strategy, Policy and Operations

Develop, document and lead the implementation of Scientific Services commercialisation strategy.

Investigate and drive new business opportunities in response to new technologies, markets and demand for
products and services that align with the commercialisation strategy

Identify and negotiate commercial agreements with new and existing internal and external customers

Optimise business operations through appropriate financial planning, programmes, strategies, policies,
processes and procedures which results in the delivery of an agreed business unit function.

Prepare business plans, business cases and policies in accordance with the commercialisation strategy.

Coordinate and liaise with key stakeholders, in particular the Smart Water Research Centre, to optimise
business efficiency and improved commercial operations.

Engage with management and the Scientific Services team in the development and implementation of the
Scientific Services business plan and commercialisation strategy.

Manage the commercialisation of viable products, services, technologies and tools; including taking responsibility
for the investment decision, budgeting implications, resources support, market assessment and marketing
activities.

Ensure appropriate business processes / information systems are established or implemented to improve
efficiency and business operation
Financial planning, analysis and budgeting

Prepare, monitor and analyse business unit budgets, financial information, plans and performance targets to
support the City’s objectives, strategies and policies

Establish and ensure adherence to Corporate and Directorate financial and procurement management
guidelines.

Manage and provide input to all financial information, analysis and commentary required in Council briefing
papers/monthly reports, demonstrating the realisation of key commercialisation objectives.
People Management

Work with the Scientific Services Coordinator and team and report to the Manager Operational Performance on
progress towards achievement of the business plan and commercialisation strategy for Scientific Services

Foster a positive working environment with key stakeholders, in particular Smart Water Research Centre staff,
conducive to the achievement of desirable outcomes through effective management of available resources and
organisational change.
Mandatory qualifications/requirements

Degree qualifications in finance, business, science or approved equivalent

10+ years’ experience working in a management role with a customer, commercial and outcome focused
organisation

Significant experience in change management, business improvement, commercial management or financial
analysis and reporting

Current Queensland “C” Class drivers licence or equivalent.

Experience or demonstrated understanding of water science and working with scientists preferably in a
laboratory environment would be highly regarded.
Personal attributes

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with particular skills in consultation, negotiation, influencing,
conflict resolution and assertiveness in order to resolve organisational issues and motivate others to meet
organisational goals.

Highly developed business acumen and commercial management skills including contract development and
negotiation, bid writing, financial and budgeting analysis, investment decision making, client management and
marketing

Proven experience in marketing and communications including demonstrated networking skills and ability to
actively and positively engage with potential clients and existing customers

Demonstrated organisation and project management skills, with the ability to develop, administer, manage and
co-ordinate complex processes and projects in order to achieve multiple deadlines and outcomes.

Proven supervisory/management experience gained within a multi-disciplinary function including the ability to
engage with and motivate staff, provide expert advice, establish and monitor outcomes and establish processes
and procedures.
Technical capabilities

Demonstrated capacity to provide the expertise and practical advice in the disciplines of commercial and
financial management.

Monitor and ensure compliance by the business unit with relevant Council policies, standards and regulations.

Proficient in the use and management of information systems and reporting relevant to a commercial unit.

Experience in operating within a commercial laboratory environment would be highly desirable

Advanced use of Microsoft and statistical packages including excel, word etc.
Additional factors

Applicants for this position may be required to undergo pre-employment assessments and screening, as well as
skills testing.

A probation period will apply after appointment to this position for external applicants.

This position may be required to exercise certain powers in accordance with legislation.

This position may be required to work at various locations within the city of the Gold Coast.

This position is a member of the City’s senior leadership group and the occupant is required to model behaviours
consistent with the Leadership Capability Framework
City of Gold Coast values
Strategic directions and day-to-day activities are guided by:

commitment, pride and passion for our city

working as one team with one vision

360 degree trust

respect for each other

getting the job done right
Employee responsibilities

Compliance with the City of Gold Coast’s Code of Conduct, management directives, policies and procedures.

Commitment to the City’s Corporate Plan.

Ensure all work is performed to meet the safety, environmental and legislative requirements and responsibilities
of the City of Gold Coast, in accordance with the City’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework and with
adherence to all workplace health and safety guidelines and procedures.

Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, diversity and merit principles