Laboratory Team Leader

About the role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Laboratory Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of laboratory operations. You will lead part of the laboratory team, support effective resourcing and training, and ensure samples are extracted, analysed and reported safely, accurately and within agreed turnaround times. 

This is a hands-on leadership role that combines operational benchwork with people leadership. You will work closely with the wider ARL leadership team, support teams and external partners to maintain accredited standards and improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery. 

What you'll do

• Together with the other team leaders and the Operations Manager, lead safe day-to-day laboratory operations, keeping the health, safety and wellbeing of your team and visitors front of mind. 
• Provide visible, supportive leadership and help build a positive, collaborative team culture. 
• Develop and maintain relevant performance measures and dashboards and contribute to prudent financial and inventory management. 
• Lead or contribute to projects and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen ARL capability, efficiency and productivity. 
• Plan and resource laboratory work so targeted turnaround times, quality standards and customer commitments are met. 
• Support the team with benchwork during peak periods  
• Maintain quality assurance, data integrity and traceability, including timely action on non-conformances and audit findings. 
• Ensure laboratory instruments are available, maintained and supported by appropriate consumables, spare parts and contingency plans. 
• Coach, train and develop team members  

About you

You are a practical people leader with sound laboratory experience and the judgement to make clear, timely decisions. A great team player who communicates well, takes accountability and enjoys coaching others to build capability. You can balance operational priorities, technical quality and customer service while maintaining a strong focus on safety and wellbeing.  

You will be comfortable working in a matrix structure with a high level of independence and initiative, smoothly collaborating across laboratory teams and stepping into operational benchwork when required and appropriately trained. 

Ideal skills & experience

• Tertiary qualification in Science or Leadership. 
• Three years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role. 
• Five years’ experience working in a commercial laboratory environment. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to make decisions and take accountability for implementation. 
• Experience in an ISO or IANZ-accredited laboratory. 
• Experience using and maintaining analytical instrumentation, especially ICP, IC, FIA, NIR, HPLC and PCR. 
• Qualifications and experience in project management. 

Benefits

In return for your skills, we offer a very competitive package that includes an array of insurances, and company clothing allowance, plus excellent training opportunities in a supportive cooperative environment.

How to apply: Create a profile and submit your CV and Cover letter.

Applications Close: 02 December 2026

About the company

Agnition builds on Ravensdown’s more than 40-year legacy of enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand. Its nutrients, fertiliser, expertise and technology help more than 15,000 farmers reduce environmental impacts and optimise value from the land in a truly integrated way.

Finding, building and investing in high-potential opportunities to solve real world challenges in the ag sector.

Food production is becoming increasingly complex and its future less certain due to environmental, regulatory, financial and societal obligations. To ensure our farmers and growers are here for the long term, we need to bring smart, tested, practical solutions to market faster.

Agnition believes that with knowledge, creativity and partnership we can solve these challenges and secure a sustainable future for our farmers, growers, their communities and our motu.

Ravensdown is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.