Second-in-Charge (2IC) – Specimen Reception

Permanent, Full-time

Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs – Dunedin has provided doctors and patients in New Zealand with pathology services since 1960. Awanui has laboratories throughout the country and is committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its clients. Our team consists of talented and skilled individuals, all of whom play an important role in helping us to be New Zealand's leading provider of quality private healthcare services.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

We have an exciting leadership opportunity for a high-performing Second-in-Charge (2IC) for our Specimen Reception team at our Dunedin Laboratory. This is a full-time, permanent role of 80 hours per fortnight, reporting directly to the Head of Department.

In this role, you will be a key support to the Head of Department and the broader laboratory team, helping to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality operations in Specimen Reception. As Second-in-Charge, you will coordinate daily workflows, support team members, and contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of specimen handling and reception processes.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with strong interpersonal and organisational skills, proven experience in specimen reception or related laboratory operations, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. You will actively support staff, foster clear communication, drive service improvement initiatives, and ensure reliable, efficient, and consistent operations in the reception of all incoming specimens.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Department in daily Specimen Reception operations.
• Maintain hands-on competency and provide technical support in specimen handling, sorting, and registration.
• Assist with rostering, workflow planning, and staff development.
• Provide guidance and training to Reception staff, Technicians, and Trainees.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing and registration of all incoming specimens.
• Support quality control, adherence to laboratory procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist with management of resources, supplies, and equipment for specimen reception.
• Contribute to process improvements and departmental projects.
• Collaborate across the laboratory network to maintain consistent specimen handling practices.
• Participate in on-call or after-hours duties if required.

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 Technician with a relevant specialisation and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to supervise, train, and develop staff.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and customer-focused, with a commitment to high-quality service.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to support and guide teams while fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Experience providing leadership or supervision within a technical team, with a focus on quality systems, efficiency, and supporting staff development.
• Experience contributing to KPI monitoring and operational improvements in a laboratory setting
• Demonstrated technical expertise in Haematology with a thorough understanding of laboratory protocols, instrumentation, and best practice.
• Commitment to high-quality diagnostic service, strong communication, and effective collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting quality systems and a sound understanding of Health and Safety requirements.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Patient-focused and committed to ongoing professional development for self and supporting the development of others
• IT proficiency, including Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Word, and Excel
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

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 and technically advanced, 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'