Laboratory Manager: Quality & Innovation for Cement

Fletcher Building; Northland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Southern Cross health insurance

Employee Education Fund

Access to Fletcher Building benefits

Inclusive culture and safety focus

Opportunity to lead a critical lab</n>

Job summary

Golden Bay Cement, part of the Fletcher Building Group, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the Portland lab and drive quality, performance, innovation, and operational excellence across our manufacturing operations.

You'll lead a team of 6–10 laboratory professionals, ensure accurate testing, maintain accreditation, and partner with production to optimise processes while promoting safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a laboratory environment, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and process control.
• Experience in accredited labs and ISO compliance.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive actions.
• Excellent communication across levels.
• Passion for developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 6-10 laboratory professionals, providing coaching, succession planning, and performance development.
• Ensure accurate, timely testing of raw materials, production processes, finished products, research and development initiatives, and external customer samples.
• Maintain laboratory accreditation, quality systems, and ISO/IEC 17025 compliance, ensuring confidence in all testing and reporting activities.
• Oversee laboratory equipment, calibration programmes, quality records, data integrity, and testing methodologies.
• Partner with operational teams to optimise process performance, improve product quality, and support manufacturing excellence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing best-practice laboratory and quality management systems.
• Support product innovation, research and development projects, and opportunities to expand external testing services.
• Champion health, safety, environmental compliance, and a culture where people look out for one another.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems

ISO 17025

Data analysis

Communication

Team development

Education

Tertiary qualification in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Tools

XRF

XRD

Automated lab systems

Statistical process control

Job description

Golden Bay Cement, part of the Fletcher Building Group, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead the Portland lab and drive quality, performance, innovation, and operational excellence across our manufacturing operations.

You'll lead a team of 6–10 laboratory professionals, ensure accurate testing, maintain accreditation, and partner with production to optimise processes while promoting safety and continuous improvement.