Animal Health Lab Team Leader

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

About the Role:

Make a meaningful impact in animal health by leading a high‑performing laboratory team at the heart of LIC’s operations. Reporting to the Animal Health Manager, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day operation of the Animal Health Laboratory, ensuring safe, high‑quality, and commercially successful laboratory services for our customers.

You’ll guide and develop a team of Laboratory Technicians, support the introduction of new analytical procedures, and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, legislative, and ISO 17025 quality standards, all while contributing to a customer‑focused, results‑driven environment.

Your Key Focus:

• Lead and support the implementation and ongoing compliance of ISO 17025 quality standards across all Animal Health Laboratory practices

• Provide strong, visible leadership to the Animal Health Laboratory team, including training and development, communication, workload allocation, and performance management

• Contribute positively across the Diagnostics team by role‑modelling company values and team principles

• Plan and organise the day‑to‑day workload of the laboratory to consistently meet service and turnaround targets

• Ensure all laboratory activities are carried out in accordance with approved SOPs and safe operating practices

• Maintain a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with LIC policies, legislative requirements, and MPI Transitional Facility (PC2) standards

• Support the Animal Health Manager with workforce planning to ensure staffing levels meet seasonal and operational demand

• Manage laboratory consumables and equipment to meet operational needs without holding excessive inventory

• Support the introduction of new tests into routine laboratory operations, working closely with the appropriate stakeholders to ensure required quality standards are met

• Work closely with the Animal Health Manager and the Animal Health Support Specialist to drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational cost

• Prepare CAPEX recommendations for new equipment and operate within the laboratory consumables budget

• Collaborate with other Diagnostics Team Leaders to ensure seamless processing and flow of samples across laboratories

Your Skills & Experience:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships

• Clear and professional written communication skills, including report writing and presentations

• Proven team leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop others

• Sound knowledge of laboratory processes, procedures, and best practice

• Confidence engaging with suppliers to manage consumables and maintain appropriate stock levels

• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills

• Ideally tertiary qualified in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline

• Practical knowledge and operational experience with ISO 17025 implementation and internal/external auditing

• Working knowledge of health and safety legislation and its application in a laboratory environment

• Well‑developed process analysis, improvement, and control skills

• Hands‑on experience with word processing, spreadsheets, LIMS, and database software

In Return:

You’ll enjoy a range of great benefits, including extra leave days, discounted health, life, income and disability insurance, access to our employee shares scheme, wellbeing discounts, free onsite parking, an employee assistance programme, plus more!

This role provides huge opportunity, where you will be empowered to think laterally and have the ability to drive situations and influence outcomes. Join us!