Job Description:

• Play a critical part in keeping our products safe, compliant & delicious

• Mars Snacking Australia home to loved brands such as M&M’s, Maltesers, Snickers & Pods

• Permanent Role | Full-Time hours | Onsite Ballarat

TheLaboratory Technician role provides technical support and verification of the Ballarat site food safety program for raw materials, finished goods, in process and environmental samples, through the application of the Global Quality & Food Safety Chocolate Standards.

The role provides technical guidance in food safety risk assessments, guidance in trouble shooting and recommendations to the business on matters regarding microbiology and chemistry to achieve and ensure the requirements of the Mars Quality principle.

Love science? Passionate about food safety? Want to help make some of the world’s most loved chocolate brands — safely and to the highest quality standards?

We’re on the lookout for a Laboratory Technician to join our Mars Wrigley Chocolate team in Ballarat.

This role plays a critical part in keeping our products safe, compliant, and delicious — providing hands-on technical support across microbiology, chemistry, and food safety within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

No two days are the same! You’ll:

• Bring the Mars Global Microbiological Verification Program to life on site

• Collect and analyse samples from raw materials, in-process product, finished goods, and the factory environment

• Conduct microbiological and analytical testing in line with Mars Quality & Food Safety Standards

• Investigate out-of-specification results and provide recommendations to the Laboratory Manager

• Support HACCP, GMP, and Good Laboratory Practices every day

• Maintain lab equipment, consumables, and cleanliness

• Provide clear reporting and data when required

• Help manage finished goods disposition

• Be an active contributor in a high-performing, safety-first team

What We’re Looking For

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• A tertiary qualification in Microbiology or a relevant science discipline

• A basic understanding of HACCP and GMP

• Strong attention to detail and a love for hands-on lab work

• Confident written and verbal communication skills

• Solid computer skills and comfort working with data

• A team-first mindset and commitment to safety and quality

Important to Know

• There would be a requirement for weekend work, this is shared via a rotating roster (1 weekend a month)

Why Join Mars?

At Mars, you’ll be part of a purpose-led business where quality, safety, and people truly matter. You’ll enjoy meaningful work, career development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to iconic chocolate brands loved around the world.

If you’re ready to put your science skills to work — and help keep chocolate safe and amazing — we’d love to hear from you.

Internal associates:

This role has been graded as a B3 opportunity. Ensure that you discuss your application with your line manager prior to applying including obtaining their endorsement.

Applications close:

Sunday 26th of April, 2026