Head of Department - Specimen Reception - Dunedin

Head of Department – Specimen Reception

Permanent, Full-time

Dunedin

Who we are | Ko wai mātou:

Awanui Labs Dunedin (previously traded as/known as Southern Community Laboratories/SCL Dunedin) is part of Awanui Group, the largest network of human and veterinary diagnostics laboratories in NZ. Awanui has laboratories throughout the country and is committed to providing facilities and services that deliver exceptional care to its patients, referrers, and 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 to general practitioners, specialists, hospitals and community healthcare providers.

About the role | Mō te tūranga:

We are seeking a high-performing, experienced and motivated Head of Department to lead our Specimen Reception team at the Dunedin laboratory. This is a permanent, full-time position of 80 hours per fortnight, reporting to the Laboratory Manager.

This role combines hands-on laboratory work together with  the opportunity to lead a critical pre-analytical team, overseeing the accurate receipt, registration, and distribution of specimens to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery to patients and referrers. Leadership responsibilities include operational management, quality assurance, staff development, problem-solving and service improvement.

To be successful, you will demonstrate strong leadership capability, sound operational knowledge of specimen reception processes and laboratory information systems, including a commitment to service excellence and continuous improvement. You will foster a positive team culture while driving efficiency and quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage Specimen Reception operations in line with accreditation and contractual requirements, ensuring quality, accuracy, and cost efficiency.

Lead and engage the team to deliver high service standards and maintain a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Oversee day-to-day workflow, including specimen receipt, registration, triage, and distribution.

Manage staffing resources, including recruitment, performance reviews, rostering, and leave management

Support staff development through training, competency assessment, and ongoing coaching.

Monitor consumables and workflow efficiencies to optimise performance and minimise waste.

Implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, turnaround times, and service quality.

Collaborate across the laboratory network and with key stakeholders to ensure aligned and seamless service delivery.

About you | He kōrero mōu

To be successful in this role you need to have:

Experience in a medical laboratory environment including specimen reception or pre-analytical services.

Hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate, preferably registered as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage teams effectively and develop a positive workplace culture.

Proven record of successfully leading and managing a technical team with a focus on quality systems, efficiency and developing high-performing teams

Experience managing budgets, monitoring KPIs and making decisions to effect positive change.

Experience in preparing and delivering monthly reports of actual versus projected performance.

Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the field of Specimen Reception

Demonstrated expertise in Biochemistry and a thorough understanding of laboratory protocols and practices.

Proven record of exceptional service focus with excellent communication skills.

Experience managing quality systems and sound understanding of Health and Safety regulations.

Effective time management skills and ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.

Patient focus and committed to professional development.

IT skills including proficiency with LIS’s, Word and Excel.

What’s in it for you | He aha mōu:

Our three core values guide us in achieving an inclusive and respected workplace where everyone can thrive and make a 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

An opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of our highly automated and technically advanced laboratory whilst maintain compliance with contractual deliverables.

Explore excellent opportunities to enhance your skills with our in-house Learning and 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'

Applications close 25 March 2026