Lab Operations Coordinator

About Abbott

Abbott is a worldwide healthcare company known for developing scientific solutions that help improve people’s health. The organization keeps looking ahead and preparing for changes in medical science and technology.

Why Work at Abbott

Abbott offers the chance to do meaningful work while building your career and learning new skills. You can also focus on your well-being and family, bring your authentic self to work, and enjoy a well-rounded life.

• Career growth opportunities with an international business that supports long-term development.
• Recognition as a strong workplace across many countries, including acknowledgment among the world’s most admired companies.
• A reputation as one of the best large employers, with recognition for diversity, support for working mothers, female leaders, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This role is located in Pokeno, Waikato, within the Abbott Nutrition Supply Chain division. The Lab Operations Coordinator serves as the main point of contact between laboratory staff and external laboratories, helping ensure smooth communication, administrative support, and project coordination.

The position works closely with Production, Technical, IT, Quality, and Sales teams to support timely delivery of important results and to make sure delays or customer questions are shared and resolved quickly.

It also involves maintaining accurate Laboratory Services records such as SOPs, Work Instructions, and project documents. In addition, the role supports the full procurement cycle for consumables, chemicals, and other laboratory supplies so the lab can operate efficiently and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear, professional, and timely communication to customers while maintaining a high service standard.
• Handle questions from internal teams and external providers by routing them to the right people and ensuring follow-up happens quickly.
• Track turnaround times and help prioritize workloads across internal and external laboratories to meet agreed KPIs.
• Arrange urgent testing requirements when needed.
• Monitor, respond to, and close out requests in the Service Desk portal and Lab App.
• Keep ordering and tracking systems for consumables, gases, and chemicals organized and up to date.
• Maintain an accurate chemical register.
• Support laboratory training sessions, workshops, and internal learning activities.
• Assist with project coordination, including organizing resources, sharing information, and keeping documentation current.
• Attend and contribute to meetings as required, including representing Laboratory Services in project discussions.
• Confirm that all chemicals in use have current Certificates of Analysis and are stored according to health and safety rules.
• Track toxic and controlled substances and secure certified handler certificates where needed.
• Look for ways to improve efficiency, enhance processes, and reduce costs.
• Manage laboratory waste handling activities.
• Carry out regular stock counts and keep inventory at minimum but sufficient levels.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Science, Food Technology, Administration, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2 to 4 years of laboratory experience, preferably in the dairy or food sector.
• Background in administrative and coordination support, with project coordination experience considered an advantage.
• Exposure to Laboratory Information Management Systems such as LabWare, including data entry, is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines in a busy environment.
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders, including laboratory teams, IT, operations, and external laboratories.
• Strong communication skills with solid stakeholder engagement and relationship-building ability.
• Excellent organization, planning, prioritization, and self-management skills.
• Flexible and responsive when priorities or operational needs change.
• Good problem-solving ability and willingness to learn and troubleshoot systems and processes.
• Comfortable using MS Word, Excel, and database tools to analyze and present information clearly.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.

Location

This role is based in Waikato District, Pokeno.

Equal Opportunity

Abbott is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.