Scientist Unit Manager - Diagnostic Genetics at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Based at LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital
• Permanent, full-time (1FTE) position
• New Zealands leading hospital laboratory

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Scientist Unit Manager (SUM) to lead our Diagnostic Genetics team. This is an excellent opportunity to join New Zealands largest and highly specialised hospital-based laboratory service.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role is responsible for the effective operational, scientific, and administrative management of the unit, while supporting the delivery of organisational strategic objectives.

You will work in close partnership with Clinical Leaders, Quality, IT, Professional Leader and Operations teams to ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient laboratory services are delivered in line with organisational standards and regulatory requirements.

• Lead and develop teams by fostering a high-performing, accountable culture and proactively managing performance, including conflict resolution
• Oversee operational delivery to ensure efficient day-to-day service management and achievement of key targets, including turnaround times (TAT)
• Drive service improvement through process optimisation, innovation, and collaboration with IT and Operations
• Contribute to strategic and business planning, including business case development, capital planning, and data-informed decision making
• Ensure quality and compliance by maintaining accreditation standards, managing risk, and leading adverse event processes
• Engage and influence stakeholders through strong communication, clear escalation, and effective relationship management

For further details, please refer to the position description.

About the Team/Service/ Location

LabPLUS is New Zealands largest tertiary referral laboratory, providing a comprehensive diagnostic genetics service using advanced cytogenetic and molecular technologies.

We deliver:

• Molecular diagnostics across diverse disease areas
• Chromosomal microarray and cytogenetic analysis
• Prenatal, postnatal, and cancer genomics testing

Our service is highly integrated with clinical teams, enabling real impact on patient outcomes across New Zealand. The service continues to expand, with future development and innovation planned.

For further information, please contact Nadia Al Anbuky, Operations Manager on +64 21 867 458 or email nadiaa@adhb.govt.nz.

About you

To be successful you will have:

Essential Requirements

• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSCNZ) and a current APC
• Significant experience within a diagnostic laboratory environment
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation standards, including ISO 15189:2022
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to prioritise, manage competing demands, and deliver to deadlines

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong critical analysis skills
• Innovative and solutions-focused, with the ability to think beyond traditional approaches
• Proven ability to manage performance, address conflict, and lead change
• Highly organised, with the ability to align people, processes, and priorities
• Strong financial and business acumen, including business case development and data-driven decision-making
• Agile and resilient, with the ability to respond to challenges and escalate risks with mitigation plans

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to apply

Well be reviewing applications and conducting interviews as they come in, so the position may close before the listed deadline. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To apply please click on the `Apply tab below, outlining your experience and motivation to apply to this role and attaching your updated CV and Covering Letter.

If you have any accessibility or technical issues with the online process, please contact Aaron Chamberlain, Recruitment Consultant at Aaron.Chamberlain@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz to discuss how we can best support your application.