Laboratory Lead: Quality, Release & Compliance

Kerry Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group in Auckland, New Zealand, leads the Laboratory Technician team and oversees testing, data integrity, calibration, and compliant product release. The role partners with site teams to resolve non-conformances, strengthen process control, and drive right-first-time performance.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will support audits, continuous improvement, and training while ensuring adherence to food safety requirements in a fast-paced laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years leading a laboratory, quality-control, or technical team in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience in laboratory operations, testing and release, calibration, and technical records.
• HACCP, GMP, allergen management, risk assessment, and GFSI benchmarked standards knowledge.
• Root cause analysis, CAPA, trend analysis, SPC, and process capability experience.
• Proficiency in SAP quality control, inspection, batch status, traceability, and release.
• Strong judgment, problem-solving, and data integrity focus.
• Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Laboratory Technician team, ensuring competency, safe practices, and coverage.
• Ensure test results are accurate, timely, and cost-effective; manage product release in SAP.
• Apply lean lab principles to optimize resource use in the lab.
• Manage laboratory operations: sampling, sensory, water, shelf-life testing, external services, and records.
• Maintain equipment calibration, methods, sampling plans, and traceable data.
• Report performance, risks, trends, and improvements to the Food Safety and Quality Manager.
• Complete required training and maintain competency for assigned responsibilities.

Skills

Leadership

Data integrity

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Cross-functional influence

Process improvement

Attention to detail

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/related

Tools

SAP

Job description

Kerry Group in Auckland, New Zealand, leads the Laboratory Technician team and oversees testing, data integrity, calibration, and compliant product release. The role partners with site teams to resolve non-conformances, strengthen process control, and drive right-first-time performance.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will support audits, continuous improvement, and training while ensuring adherence to food safety requirements in a fast-paced laboratory setting.