Team Leader, Food Microbiology - Lead & Develop Lab Team

ALS; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS in Hamilton, NZ is seeking a motivated Team Leader to head our Food Microbiology testing team. You’ll lead by example, coach staff and drive operational excellence to deliver accurate, timely results.

Reporting to the Microbiology Operations Manager, you’ll manage daily workflows, support laboratory operations, and foster a positive, high-performing culture while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial food microbiology laboratory with leadership responsibility.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in science.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ laboratory experience with supervisory or team coordination experience.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; detail-oriented and customer-focused.

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 delivery of 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 effective training, mentoring, performance feedback, and development planning.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems, accreditation requirements, and laboratory procedures, ensuring all testing activities meet required standards.
• Promote and actively support a strong Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability (HSES) culture, maintaining a safe workplace and participating in safety initiatives.
• Build cooperative relationships with internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional client outcomes.
• Adhere to the ALS Code of Conduct, Respectful Workplace Behavior policies, and all company standards and procedures.

Job description

ALS in Hamilton, NZ is seeking a motivated Team Leader to head our Food Microbiology testing team. You’ll lead by example, coach staff and drive operational excellence to deliver accurate, timely results.

Reporting to the Microbiology Operations Manager, you’ll manage daily workflows, support laboratory operations, and foster a positive, high-performing culture while maintaining quality and safety standards.