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L7 Laboratory Supervisor - Whareroa

Job Name
Laboratory Supervisor - Microbiology

General Information

Date Published
28-May-2026
Advertising Ends
07-Jun-2026
ID#
15458
Role Type
Lab Technicians
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Taranaki

Position Description

Imagine Tomorrow with Us | Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō
At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 
Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 
Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

 About us | He kupu mō mātou
Whareroa is one of our largest sites. Along with a 7-hectare distribution centre and over 1000 employees, our site boasts a total of 11 plants which includes four milk powder plants, two cheese plants, a cream plant, a anhydrous milk fat plant plus a whey protein and casein plant. We have the capability to process an impressive 12 million litres of milk per day in peak season.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga
 • Lead a team in achieving day-to-day laboratory best practices.
• Exciting opportunity to gain leadership experience and accelerate your career.
• High-impact position leading, influencing, and driving change across the business.

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Laboratory Supervisor, reporting to the Department Manager – Microbiology at our Whareroa site. This role provides crucial support across a broad range of tasks, including managing the culture of food safety and quality within our site and utilising your leadership skills to uphold best practices in alignment with Fonterra Laboratory Quality systems.
This is an ideal opportunity to gain leadership experience, mentor direct reports, and oversee their daily activities, while continuously exploring innovative ideas for improvement. You will provide energy, influence, and direction to laboratory systems and projects, ensuring these processes have strategic impact and operate efficiently.

As a microbiology laboratory expert, you will also provide verification and coaching on interpreting regulatory, food safety, quality, and customer requirements. This includes close collaboration with MPI, IANZ, and customers regarding standards, regulatory changes, and requirements.
This role requires professional courage to advocate for best practices while building strong, positive, and lasting relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the business. If you have a background in quality, food safety, or operations and are ready to take on your next big challenge to further develop your laboratory and management skills, this is the perfect role for you.

Please note: Working hours are rostered days only—5:30 am to 5:30 pm. The roster is four days on, four days off.  
          
About You | Mōu
To be successful in this role, you will:
• Demonstrate experience in building, coaching, and mentoring teams, while driving change in a quality-focused environment.
• Possess extensive knowledge of laboratory systems and processes.
• Previous auditing experience is an advantage.
• Exhibit exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with the professional courage to do what’s right and guide others.
A relevant tertiary qualification in food science, technology, or engineering would be highly regarded. As a key member of the microbiology laboratory leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in Fonterra’s vision of being the world’s most trusted source of dairy nutrition.

Our Values | Ngā Aura 
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

Our Commitment to You | Tā mātou oati 
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • 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
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi
At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Join Us | Tātou Tātou
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth. 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026

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