Section Lead - Food Chemistry - Dunedin

Section Lead – Food Chemistry
Permanent, Full-time
Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:
Awanui Veterinary and Scientific, formerly Gribbles Veterinary and Scientific, is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary pathology laboratories in New Zealand.

Our Dunedin site incorporates an analytical laboratory delivering microbiological and chemical testing services.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:
Our Dunedin laboratory has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Section Leader to lead our small Food Chemistry team. This is a permanent, full-time role of 80 hours per fortnight. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the department while providing leadership and support to your team.

In this role, you’ll guide and support the team, oversee workflows, and maintain high standards of quality, safety, and compliance. You’ll foster a solutions-focused environment, provide mentorship and coaching to team members, and drive continuous improvement within the department.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee daily operations of the Food Chemistry department to ensure smooth and efficient workflow.

Guide and support the team in performing technical duties, including accurate analysis and reporting of samples.

Provide training, mentorship, and assistance to team members, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

Maintain high standards of accuracy, quality, safety, and client service.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and support the implementation of solutions.

Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients regarding sample queries or issues, and assist with related administrative tasks.

Participate in the weekend roster as required.

About you | He kōrero mōu
To be successful in this role you need to have:

Proven leadership experience, with the ability to supervise, train, and develop a team.

Methodical and disciplined, with a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and adherence to laboratory procedures.

Self-motivated, customer-focused, and committed to delivering high-quality results and service.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Strong time management, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Solid understanding of laboratory operations, including safety, quality assurance processes, and operation of analytical equipment.

Office management skills (e.g., invoicing, stocktake, consumable tracking) are beneficial, but not essential.

Be available to participate in the weekend roster as required.

Previous or current KTP status is desirable

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:
You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our veterinary laboratory is renowned for delivering an outstanding service to animals.

Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, ensuring your professional competency and career growth.

If you are passionate about your work, dedicated to quality and want to be part of a friendly supportive team, please click 'Apply now'

Application closes 25 February 2026