Section Head | Canterbury Health Laboratories

• Christchurch – Canterbury Health Laboratories
• Full time permanent position working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday

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

Canterbury Health Laboratories is a leading medical diagnostic reference laboratory in the South Island and a secondary/tertiary referral centre, providing timely results to our clinicians to ensure our patients are getting the right treatment, at the right time. We are now looking for a Section Head with passion and enthusiasm to lead our Core Biochemistry Laboratory and Point of Care Testing service.

Our Core Biochemistry laboratory is part of the wider Core automated laboratory that also includes Core Haematology and is critical to the functioning of the entire service provided by CHL. You would also provide leadership for our large and developing Point of Care Testing service through a Point of Care Coordinator and team.

This is an exciting opportunity to be in a key role providing a high-quality service with both technical and people management responsibility based at CHLs laboratory in Christchurch and working in close relationship with clinicians, other Section Heads, managers and providing support to the West Coast and Ashburton laboratories.

About you

Since 2021 Core Biochemistry has implemented high throughput analysers and middleware attached to an automated track and storage system operating a 24-hour, 7 day a week service. This is an opportunity to work with the vendor on achieving stability and optimising performance of the system and experience in both project and change management would be highly desirable as will be an ability to proactively work with vendors and in-house engineers, software, ICT and work-flow specialists.

Our ideal candidate will provide outstanding team leadership, direction and operational management ensuring efficient, effective and quality focussed service delivery. In addition, of course, we are looking for strong scientific leadership, so a relevant background and scientific experience is required.  Excellent communication and analytical skills, both oral and written, are essential together with experience of planning and managing budgets, as is the ability to take part in the training and development of our staff. The ability to provide technical oversight, operational and strategic leadership are essential while support and development opportunities will be readily available. 

Your skills will include:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, organise and support a team to consistently deliver a high-quality service with variations in work demand and rostering requirements
• Clear process thinking to identify and mitigate inefficiencies in processes to improve workflow
• Calm under pressure
• Significant experience at a senior scientific level in Biochemistry and within the medical science industry
• Hold a current MLS Annual Practising Certificate issued by the MSCNZ.
• Develop clear direction and plans aligned to vision and goals
• Ability to train and support staff through change

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

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.