Food Microbiology Team Lead - Drive Excellence & Growth

ALS Limited; Hamilton; Remote; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS Limited in Hamilton, NZ is seeking a hands-on Team Leader to guide our Food Microbiology testing team. You will lead by example, drive quality results and ensure efficient workflows while delivering exceptional client service.

Reporting to the Microbiology Operations Manager, you will coach and develop technicians, manage daily lab operations, and promote a strong HSES culture in a fast-paced environment. A science degree and 3–5 years' lab leadership are preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial food microbiology laboratory, including laboratory operations.
• Minimum 3–5 years' laboratory experience with leadership, supervision or team coordination.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of laboratory staff, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Provide hands-on technical and operational leadership, supporting laboratory testing activities and leading by example.
• Coordinate and prioritize daily laboratory workflows to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality client results.
• Monitor team performance, productivity and accountability, ensuring business objectives and client expectations are achieved.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, quality, and service delivery.
• Ensure team competency through training, mentoring, performance feedback, and development planning.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems and laboratory procedures, ensuring testing activities meet required standards.
• Promote and actively support a strong Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability (HSES) culture, maintaining a safe workplace.
• Build cooperative relationships with internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Problem solving

Education

Science degree

Job description

ALS Limited in Hamilton, NZ is seeking a hands-on Team Leader to guide our Food Microbiology testing team. You will lead by example, drive quality results and ensure efficient workflows while delivering exceptional client service.

Reporting to the Microbiology Operations Manager, you will coach and develop technicians, manage daily lab operations, and promote a strong HSES culture in a fast-paced environment. A science degree and 3–5 years' lab leadership are preferred.