Team Lead – Microbiology

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on Team Lead for our Microbiology laboratory. The role blends technical expertise with people leadership to ensure testing is completed on time, quality standards are upheld, and continuous improvement initiatives are driven.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support a laboratory team to deliver accurate, high‑quality results on schedule.
• Oversee day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and other quality standards.
• Monitor performance, analyse data, and drive investigations into deviations, non‑conformances and quality issues.
• Plan resources—including staffing, equipment and consumables—to meet operational demands.
• Drive continuous‑improvement projects, process optimisation and adoption of new technologies.
• Provide technical guidance on testing methods, equipment and quality systems.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and communicate technical information clearly.
• Support audit readiness, participate in audits and ensure timely closure of findings.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and operational planning.

Required profile

• Confident leader with a strong technical laboratory background.
• Minimum three years’ experience in an IANZ‑accredited microbiology laboratory.
• Solid understanding of ISO 17025, ISO methods and regulatory frameworks (FDA, GLP, GMP).
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or laboratory setting.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate complex technical concepts.
• Proactive, continuous‑improvement mindset.

Required skills

• Microbiology testing (including dairy).
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and ISO methods.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations, GLP and GMP.
• Experience in IANZ‑accredited laboratory environments.
• Leadership in technical or laboratory contexts.