Manager | Laboratory Testing

Tonkin & Taylor; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Geotechnics Ltd in Tauranga is seeking an experienced Manager to lead civil materials and geotechnical testing operations. This hands-on leadership role combines project management, technical delivery, customer engagement and team development.

You will manage testing projects, uphold quality and safety standards, develop customer relationships and support growth of testing services. A NZ driver licence is required.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years' experience in civil materials, construction materials testing or geotechnical disciplines.
• Strong field and laboratory experience in geotechnical investigations and construction materials testing.
• Proven ability to manage projects, sample and describe materials, log geotechnical cores, perform testing and prepare factual reports.
• Experience training, coaching and mentoring technicians.
• A commitment to developing new technologies and improving service offerings.
• Commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a customer-focused approach.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, self-motivated and positive attitude.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and attention to detail.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage testing projects in line with the organisation's Project Management framework, delivering safely, on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Ensure all work complies with IANZ, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, Geotechnics' Management System, Standard Operating Procedures and relevant national and international standards.
• Lead technical delivery across the team's testing scope, including troubleshooting data, results and technical issues.
• Produce accurate, consistent and timely testing data and reports.
• Build strong customer relationships, identify new opportunities and support repeat business, upselling and cross-selling.
• Train, coach and mentor junior staff, supporting their development.
• Provide technical support and promote efficient ways of working to improve turnaround times, customer service and profitability.
• Research and develop new technologies and service opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure non-compliances are managed through the Geotechnics Continuous Improvement Request process.
• Champion the safety and wellbeing of colleagues, customers, contractors and the public.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Customer relationships

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Geotechnics Ltd is a specialist materials testing company providing laboratory and field testing services to the geotechnical, civil and environmental engineering industries. With offices in Auckland, Pukekohe, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch, we support projects of all sizes across New Zealand.

We believe you should enjoy the work you do and the people you work with. We promote an open, collaborative culture where innovation, learning and continuous improvement are encouraged.

The opportunity

We have a great position available for an experienced Manager to lead our civil materials and geotechnical testing operations based in Tauranga. This is a hands-on leadership role combining project management, technical delivery, customer engagement and team development.

You will play a pivotal role in managing testing projects, maintaining our high standards of quality and safety, developing customer relationships, and supporting the growth of our testing services. You will also be responsible for leading project teams and ensuring testing and investigation work is completed safely, efficiently, accurately, on time and within budget.

What you'll be doing

• Manage testing projects in line with the organisations Project Management framework, delivering safely, on time, within budget and to required quality standards.
• Ensure all work complies with IANZ, ISO/IEC 17025:2017, Geotechnics' Management System, Standard Operating Procedures and relevant national and international standards.
• Lead technical delivery across the team's testing scope, including troubleshooting data, results and technical issues.
• Produce accurate, consistent and timely testing data and reports.
• Build strong customer relationships, identify new opportunities and support repeat business, upselling and cross-selling.
• Train, coach and mentor junior staff, supporting their development.
• Provide technical support and promote efficient ways of working to improve turnaround times, customer service and profitability.
• Research and develop new technologies and service opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure non-compliances are managed through the Geotechnics Continuous Improvement Request process.
• Champion the safety and wellbeing of colleagues, customers, contractors and the public.

What you'll bring

• 7-10 years' experience in civil materials, construction materials testing or geotechnical disciplines.
• Strong field and laboratory experience in geotechnical investigations and construction materials testing.
• Proven ability to manage projects, sample and describe materials, log geotechnical cores, perform testing and prepare factual reports.
• Experience training, coaching and mentoring technicians.
• A commitment to developing new technologies and improving service offerings.
• Commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a customer-focused approach.
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive, self-motivated and positive attitude.
• A strong commitment to safety, quality and attention to detail.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

At Geotechnics, you'll receive ongoing support from an experienced team. This is an excellent opportunity to build technical skills while contributing to projects that make a real difference to communities across New Zealand.

We also offer:

• Ongoing training and professional development
• A supportive and collaborative team environment

For more information on Geotechnics Ltd, go to www.geotechnics.co.nz. For more information on our careers go towww.tonkintaylor.co.nz/careers.

Our value ‘Everyone Matters’ is at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to be an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer and a member of Diversity Works. We warmly welcome all applicants, your voice and perspective are valued here.