Head of Department

Head of Department – Biochemistry/Immunology

Permanent, Full-time

Christchurch

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs – Canterbury is a community-based diagnostic laboratory, processing 3500+ samples daily from our 12 collection sites, general practice and private hospitals. Awanui Labs – Canterbury is owned by Awanui Group, a healthcare company committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its clients.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

We currently have a leadership opportunity for a high-performing Biochemistry & Immunology Head of Department located at our Christchurch laboratory. This is a full-time, permanent position reporting to the Operations Manager, leading our Biochemistry and Immunology teams.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic department, overseeing a team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Trainees. The department provides a wide range of diagnostic testing, including clinical biochemistry, infectious serology, and autoimmune panels, with growing capabilities.

Success in this role requires strong leadership to inspire and develop the team, extensive biochemistry expertise, and a commitment to service excellence, continuous improvement, and high-quality diagnostic performance

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all Biochemistry and Immunology department operations, working closely with the department's Second-in-Charge, Biochemistry and Immunology Technical Specialists, and pathologists, ensuring high-quality, efficient diagnostic services in line with accreditation standards.
• Demonstrate technical capability and understanding of laboratory processes by maintaining bench competency.
• Oversee staffing, rostering, and performance management, and support professional growth and development of team members by providing technical advice, training, and education.
• Motivate, develop, and engage a team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Trainees.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality testing across biochemistry, infectious serology, and autoimmune panels.
• Oversee laboratory instrumentation, quality control, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Manage resources, consumables, and equipment to minimise waste, maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and validate new methodologies, optimising processes to enhance service quality and turnaround times.
• Lead projects and continuous improvement initiatives to advance departmental capability and service excellence.
• Collaborate with staff across the Awanui network to ensure alignment of policies and processes.
• Work collaboratively with the General Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Managers, and other Heads of Department in Christchurch and across the Awanui network.

About you | He kōrero mōu

To be successful in this role you need to have:

• Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Scientist with a relevant specialisation and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead teams effectively and foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Proven record of successfully leading and managing a technical team, with a focus on quality systems, efficiency, and developing high-performing staff.
• Experience managing budgets, monitoring KPIs, and making informed decisions to drive continuous improvement.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience working in Medical Laboratories with significant Biochemistry experience.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in Biochemistry with a thorough understanding of laboratory protocols and practices. Understanding of Immunology testing is required in order to support the Immunology Technical Specialist.
• Proven commitment to exceptional service with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing quality systems and a solid understanding of Health and Safety regulations.
• Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Patient-focused and committed to the professional development of self and team members.
• IT proficiency, including Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Word, and Excel.

What's in it for you | He aha mōu:

You will be joining a friendly, high-performing, and forward-thinking team environment. Our laboratory is highly automated with newly installed Chemistry lines, already delivering an outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals. 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 13 December 2025