Laboratory Manager - General - Oamaru

Laboratory Manager - General
Permanent, Full-time
Oamaru

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:
Awanui Labs – Otago Southland (previously known as SCL) provides high-quality diagnostic pathology services to the community, healthcare professionals and their patients. Our Oamaru Laboratory  has been providing pathology services to the Otago community for more than 60 years. We recognise the importance of highly qualified staff and inspired leadership together with advanced information technology and automation to achieve service excellence.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:
We are seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead the operations of our Oamaru laboratory, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic services that support patient care across the region. This is a full-time, permanent role of 80 hours per fortnight. It provides the opportunity to take ownership of laboratory operations while supporting and developing a skilled and dedicated team.

Based in the coastal town of Oamaru, this role combines leadership with hands-on operational involvement in a close-knit and supportive environment. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring the laboratory continues to meet the needs of the local community. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated professional looking to step into a key leadership role in a regional setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective services are delivered to customers.
• Lead and support the local team and collaborate and liaise with other Awanui Heads of Department and Logistics Managers.
• Engage with clients to identify opportunities for service improvement and new service development
• Work closely with the General Manager and Regional Operations Manager on strategic direction, budgeting, and performance targets.
• Stay current with industry developments, literature, and best practice standards.
• Ensure staff performance and development reviews are completed in line with company guidelines.
• Oversee health and safety responsibilities for all staff.
• Lead, motivate, and engage the team to deliver excellent customer service.
• Oversee and contribute to project management initiatives.
  
  

About you | He kōrero mōu
To be successful in this role you need to have:

• Tertiary qualification in a clinical, scientific, or health-related field (essential)
• Minimum 5 years’ laboratory experience with demonstrated leadership and management capability
• Technical competency in a relevant laboratory discipline preferred
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
• Experience with quality systems and a solid understanding of health and safety requirements
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills in a complex healthcare environment
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build strong relationships across clinical and operational teams
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse teams, including across multiple sites
• Commitment to quality improvement, collaborative leadership, and patient-focused service delivery
• Willingness to undertake further leadership or management development

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:
Our three core values guide us in creating an inclusive and respected workplace where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful difference:

• Manaakitanga - We Care for each other and the people we serve.
• Whakapakari - We Improve and adapt to create opportunities for success.
• Hiranga - We Deliver the highest quality medical and scientific expertise.

Our laboratory is highly automated and technically advanced, delivering outstanding service for patients and healthcare professionals.

We also offer excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning & Development team, supporting 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 28 April 2026