Operations Support Officer

**Permanent, full-time**:

- **Based in Auckland or Wellington or Christchurch**:

- **Some travel required**

**About New Zealand Blood and Organ Service**

New Zealand Blood and Organ Service (NZBS) is dedicated to saving lives. Every year, tens of thousands of generous people donate their time, blood and plasma to us for free. In addition to our vein-to-vein service in transfusion, we also provide national services in organ transplantation, cellular therapies and tissue banking. We exist to ensure the efficient delivery of safe blood and tissue products on a time critical basis throughout New Zealand and through the generosity of our donors; we are able to help save lives.

Our shared values are at the heart of our organisation's culture and guide our behaviour each and every day. These values inspire, motivate us and drive us to provide the very best service to the New Zealand public.

Watch this video to see what our people say about the NZBS values they admire the most.

**About the Role**

Are you ready to make a real difference in people's lives? This is your chance to join our Manufacturing team as an Operations Support Officer and play a crucial role in saving lives every day.

As an Operations Support Officer, you'll be part of a dynamic team that supports Manufacturing Operations nationally with two Donation Accreditation testing laboratories located in Auckland and Christchurch, and Component Processing facilities based in Auckland (Epsom and Highbrook), Wellington and Christchurch. You'll contribute to strategic planning, identify and lead change programmes, and ensure compliance with policies and standards. Your work will drive standardisation, process improvements, and effective collaboration with key partners, including Quality and Clinical.

Working under the direction of the National Manager Manufacturing, your primary focus will be analysing current processes, identifying improvement opportunities, and managing the end-to-end implementation of sustainable continuous improvement initiatives.

**About You**
- You are an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist or Technician.
- You have a passion for leading process improvement and the aptitude to drive change.
- You are looking for a rewarding role within a great team and as part of an essential service.

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- Proven experience (minimum 5 years) working as a Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist or Technician, or equivalent in a regulated healthcare or pharmaceutical environment.
- Experience working in the blood transfusion field would be an advantage.
- Knowledge of, and experience in working with, relevant regulatory standards and Codes of Practice, e.g., PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products, FACT, IANZ, EDQM.
- Experience in implementing Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Ability to initiate and lead process and procedural improvement activities that provide sustainable change and measurable benefits.
- Ability to lead complex change programmes and implement new processes across multiple locations.
- Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking and ability to break down complex situations into clear actions.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration and teamwork.
- Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
- Able to work flexible hours when required.
- Prior experience in either Component Processing or Donation Accreditation is desirable.

**What's in it for You**:

- **Make a Difference**: Contribute to the life-saving activities of NZBS.
- **Growth Opportunities**: Be part of a business that is rapidly growing and transforming.
- **Impactful Work**: Make a positive and real difference within the functional stream.
- **Career Progression**: Continue to progress your career with us.
- **Supportive Environment**: Join a team that values collaboration and mutual support.