Team Leader Microbiology

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When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Team Leader Microbiology

Join ALS Food | Team Leader Microbiology | Hamilton, NZ

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Team Leader to lead our Food Microbiology testing team in Hamilton. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced microbiology professional who enjoys developing people, driving operational excellence and creating a positive team culture.

This role is a permanent position, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

About the Role

Reporting to the Microbiology Operations Manager, you will provide front-line leadership to a team of Laboratory Technicians while remaining actively engaged with laboratory operations. You will play a key role in ensuring quality results, efficient workflows and exceptional service delivery to our clients.

This role is ideal for someone who leads by example, enjoys working alongside their team and is passionate about fostering continuous improvement within a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Key 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.

The Essentials:

• Proven experience in a commercial food microbiology laboratory, including laboratory operations and ideally technical expertise as a Key Technical Person in common food testing methods.
• Ideally, the successful applicant will have a relevant tertiary qualification in science.
• A minimum of 3-5 years' laboratory experience, including demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or team coordination experience.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, develop and motivate team members.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, balance competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• A proactive, results-driven approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and embracing change.
• High attention to detail, adaptability and a willingness to learn and grow.
• A strong customer focus and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Working at ALS

The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

Everyone Matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

Eligibility To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.

How to apply Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.