Laboratory Manager

This is a fully hands-on position. The Laboratory Manager will be involved daily on the bottling line and during wine receivals, including connecting hoses to tanks and wine tankers and taking samples directly from tankers and tanks. This role suits someone who enjoys being on the floor, involved in production, and leading by example.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all laboratory and wine quality control activities across pre-receival, production, and post-bottling stages.

• Manage pre-wine QC monitoring and communicate directly with client winemakers or representatives.

• Oversee wine receivals, including QC chemistry on pre-arrival and arrival samples.

• Connect hoses to tanks and wine tankers and collect samples as part of daily operations.

• Carry out daily quality control checks on the bottling line and be present during production runs.

• Lead daily filler start-up processes including steaming, cooling, membrane integrity testing, wine transfer, and client sign-off.

• Coordinate post-bottling microbiological testing.

• Supervise, train, and support Laboratory Technicians.

• Maintain and improve QA/QC standards for packaging, including torque, vacuum, glass, label, and case checks.

• Troubleshoot quality or packaging issues and provide real-time guidance to production staff.

• Maintain accurate QA records and assist with audit preparation.

• Ensure laboratory compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, and certification requirements (HACCP, BRC, WSMP, SWNZ).

This role requires shift work, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends, to align with production schedules.

Pay rate will be based on experience.

Reports To: Production Manager

Applications Close: 30 April 2026

Email Applications: admin@thebottlingco.nz

Contact Person: Sharleen Marfell 03 578 8343