Technical Operations Manager

EPL Bio Analytical Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company in Wellington, NZ is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead our food and cosmetics testing laboratory operations. You will act as a technical authority on-site, ensuring testing methods and QC align with ISO 17025 standards and safety regulations while guiding a dedicated team of analysts.

You will oversee project execution, coordinate client inquiries, and drive continuous improvement through the Laboratory Quality

Qualifications

• Proven track record in laboratory management or senior technical role in food or cosmetics.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong IT literacy.

Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance – help oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Team Leadership – help lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists ensuring ongoing training and goals are met.
• Testing and Analysis – oversee microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations, ensuring accuracy and turnaround times.
• Auditing – Lead readiness and manage responses to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management – Work with the Quality Team to ensure continual high standards, producing and presenting KPI data.

Skills

Leadership

ISO 17025 knowledge

Laboratory management

Quality Assurance

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or Microbiology or Chemistry

Job description

Wellington / Southern Microbiological Services – A Tentamus Company

Southern Microbiological Services - a Tentamus Company - has been providing a comprehensive UKAS-accredited testing service for the food, drink and related industries since 1987. In 2024, we added UKAS Cosmetics and Personal Care testing service to our collection. We offer microbiological testing, tailored projects, on-site troubleshooting and training amongst other services.

A competitive salary will be offered.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Technical Operations Manager to help lead our food and cosmetic testing laboratory operations. You will be a technical authority on-site, ensuring our testing methodologies and quality control align with UKAS (ISO 17025) standards and safety legislation. You will help lead a dedicated team of analysts, manage technical projects and act as a primary point of contact for client enquiries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality and Compliance - help oversee the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Team Leadership - help lead and mentor Technicians and Microbiologists ensuring ongoing training and goals are met.
• Testing and Analysis - oversee microbiological food and cosmetic testing operations, ensuring accuracy and turnaround times.
• Auditing - Lead readiness and manage responses to third-party, customer and regulatory audits.
• Quality Management - Work with the Quality Team to ensure continual high standards, producing and presenting KPI data.

Essential:

• Proven track record in laboratory management or a senior technical role within the food or cosmetics industry
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation and safety requirements
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline
• Strong IT literacy

Desirable:

• Experience in cosmetics including microbiological, chemical and physical testing, with knowledge of writing CPSRs.