Abbott

Lab Operations Coordinator

New Zealand - Waikato Full time

JOB DESCRIPTION:

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Waikato > Pokeno location in the Abbott Nutrition Supply Chain division.

As the Lab Operations Coordinator, you will act as the primary liaison between the laboratory staff, and external laboratories, ensuring effective communication, administrative support, and project coordination.

The role works closely with Production, Technical, IT, Quality, and Sales teams to enable the timely delivery of key results and ensure any delays or customer queries are communicated and resolved promptly.

It is also responsible for maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date Laboratory Services documentation, including SOPs, Work Instructions, and project documentation. In addition, the role supports the end‑to‑end procurement process for consumables, chemicals, and other laboratory items to ensure efficient and reliable supply to the Laboratory.

What You'll Do

  • Ensure clear, professional, and timely communication with all customers while consistently maintaining a high standard of service.

  • Manage inquiries from internal teams and external providers by directing queries to the appropriate contacts and ensuring prompt follow‑up and resolution.

  • Monitor turnaround times (TAT) and support workload prioritization across internal and external laboratories to meet defined KPIs.

  • Coordinate and arrange urgent testing requirements as needed.

  • Monitor, action, and resolve queries within the Service Desk portal and Lab App.

  • Streamline, manage, and maintain ordering and tracking systems for consumables, gases, and chemicals.

  • Ensure the chemical register is accurate and up to date.

  • Assist the Laboratory Services team with training sessions, workshops, and the delivery of internal training.

  • Support the coordination of project management activities, including organizing resources, sharing information, and maintaining documentation.

  • Organize, attend, and actively participate in meetings as required, including representing Laboratory Services in project meetings.

  • Ensure all chemicals in use possess current Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and are stored in compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

  • Track toxic and controlled substances and obtain certified handler certificates for required materials.

  • Identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, process enhancements, and cost savings.

  • Manage and coordinate laboratory waste management processes.

  • Conduct regular stock takes across all areas and ensure minimum but adequate inventory levels are always maintained.

Requirements:

  • Tertiary qualification in Science, Food Technology, Administration, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience.
  • Minimum 2-4 years of laboratory experience , ideally within the dairy or food industry.
  • Experience providing administrative and coordination support, including project coordination advantageous
  • Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LabWare), including data entry advantageous
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional stakeholders, including laboratory teams, IT, operations, and external laboratories.
  • Effective communicator with strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‑management skills.
  • Highly organised with well‑developed planning, prioritisation, and self‑management capabilities.
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and operational demands.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills with a willingness to learn and troubleshoot systems and processes.
  • Confident using MS Word, Excel, and database systems to analyse and present information clearly.
  • Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

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Location

This position is based in Waikato District > Pokeno.

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

The base pay for this position is

N/A

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Operations Quality

DIVISION:

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

LOCATION:

New Zealand > Waikato: Pokeno Plant

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

Not specified

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)