Technician - Sample Coordination (Chemistry And Microbiology)

Key Accountabilities:

• Manage sample intake, registration and storage, ensuring correct labelling, metadata capture, and timely logging into sample tracking systems.
• Coordinate in-house and outsourced testing, including arranging sample shipments, tracking turnaround times, and managing vendor relationships.
• Set up testing arrangements for subcontracting laboratories, organising subcontracted samples, processing subcontracting reports for chemistry and microbiology samples.
• Distribute test reports and results to stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy and appropriate confidentiality.
• Participate fully in the Health & Safety improvement process.
• Adopt Good Laboratory Practices.
• Become trained as a laboratory information management system (LIMS) administrator.
• Manage customer enquiries through to the appropriate analytical science staff member. Active monitoring of the laboratory’s email inbox.
• Serve as the primary communication hub between research teams, factory testing labs, regulatory contacts and external testing providers to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Promote department professionally (front of house) for our customers, adopting our Fonterra values in all communications - written and verbal.
• Facilitate customer complaints, ensuring the appropriate response and support is provided.
• Management of the Inter-laboratory comparison programme for chemistry.
• External invoice checking

Mōu | About You

You are organised and proactive, with strong abilities to multi-task and have a genuine enthusiasm for supporting laboratory operations. Your background in science combined with hands-on customer service experience allows you to efficiently manage enquiries, coordinate between different stakeholders, and communicate clearly and professionally.

You are experienced with computer systems and laboratory management software, always committed to upholding Co-op values in every interaction. Thriving in fast-paced environments, you enjoy learning new things—such as mastering systems and provide high-quality support to both internal and external stakeholders.

Other key attributes will include:

• Passion for science and a tertiary qualification
• Experience in laboratory operations, quality assurance, food handling, dairy manufacturing, analytical laboratory procedures, or laboratory management systems
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively as a team member to deliver high volumes of work.
• A systematic approach to tasks, supported by keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Stakeholder management capabilities.

• Fair and equitable pay
• Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth support
• Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
• Employee recognition
• Support for community involvement and cultural connection