Technical Lead

**About the role**

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Lead to join our high-performing Microbiology Laboratory Services team at Synlait. We're on the lookout for an experienced and driven professional to take the lead in ensuring our microbiology laboratory maintains its technical excellence and drives continuous improvement.

This role plays a pivotal role in maintaining IANZ accreditation, overseeing method validation and verification, supporting staff development and leading investigations and audits. You'll also act as the technical authority for microbiological testing, support CAPEX planning, and contribute to strategic projects across the lab network.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

- Providing technical oversight for microbiological testing across our Microbiology team.
- Leading method verification, validation, updates and implementation of new technologies.
- Ensuring calibration, equipment qualification and training are up to date and effective.
- Supporting ILCP participation, trending results and investigating non-conformances.
- Writing and reviewing SOPs and ensuring documentation aligns with ISO17025.
- Coordinating and leading laboratory investigations and communicating outcomes clearly to stakeholders.
- Acting as 2IC to the Microbiology and Liquids Manager, supporting on recruitment, staging, budget and planning.
- Identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supporting the development of staff competency and technical training programs.
- Leading internal and external audits as the technical expert.
- Collaborating across departments to improve process efficiency and deliver technical excellence.

**Skills and Experience**
- Tertiary qualification in Science (Microbiology preferred)
- Ideally a minimum of 7 years' experience in a technical laboratory role (dairy or food preferred)
- Deep knowledge of ISO17025 and experience leading technical audits
- Experience or knowledge of GB testing would be adventitious.
- Experience in method verification, validation, and laboratory technologies
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to coach, train and motivate teams
- Strong capability in investigation processes and problem solving
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly
- Strong planning and resource coordination skills

**Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.**

**About us**

Synlait is a dynamic, purpose-led milk nutrition company that is _Doing Milk Differently for a Healthier World _

We pride our organisation as being different and allowing our spirit to drive our success, shifting perceptions and driving value through new thinking and a new attitude.

You’ll be joining down-to-earth, authentic people working together to create the very best in milk nutrition as we combine expert farming with innovative thinking and state-of-the-art processing to produce a range of nutritional milk products for our global customers.

We will challenge you by providing the opportunities you’ve been seeking to expand your career; we believe that everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table so are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and embrace diversity to drive innovation and business success.

**What we offer**:

- Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
- Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
- B Corp TM certified
- Social Club membership opportunities

**What's next?**

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

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