Biosafety & Containment Assurance Lead

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 122,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Bi-annual eye test & lens/frame costs

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in Upper Hutt is seeking a Team Manager Assurance, Biosafety, & Containment to lead biosafety, containment, and assurance across the Animal Health Laboratory. You will drive risk management, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance while guiding a high-performing team.

You will advise senior leaders, oversee facilities, and manage contracted services to ensure readiness for disease response and biosecurity initiatives with a strong focus on safety

Qualifications

• A post-graduate qualification in microbiology or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Project or programme management qualifications.
• At least three years' experience working in, or supervising, a microbiology laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of biosafety risk management frameworks and practices.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Budget and financial management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead biosafety and risk management of AHL activities, ensuring safe, compliant work.
• Provide assurance and strategic advice to senior leaders on critical systems.
• Manage and improve systems to meet regulatory and organisational requirements.
• Oversee maintenance of containment facilities, infrastructure, and equipment.
• Lead investigations and follow-up of incidents and breaches.
• Strengthen collaboration across teams and external partners.
• Drive continuous improvement through staff development and engagement.
• Manage contracted laboratory services and relationships.
• Lead business continuity and emergency preparedness activities.

Skills

Leadership

Biosafety risk mgmt

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Project management

Budget & financial mgmt

Quality assurance

Education

Post-graduate qualification in microbiology

Job description

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in Upper Hutt is seeking a Team Manager Assurance, Biosafety, & Containment to lead biosafety, containment, and assurance across the Animal Health Laboratory. You will drive risk management, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance while guiding a high-performing team.

You will advise senior leaders, oversee facilities, and manage contracted services to ensure readiness for disease response and biosecurity initiatives with a strong focus on safety