Laboratories and Workshops Manager GNS Science location Wellington.

GNS Science is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading authority on earth science, energy, and natural hazards and risk research. We generate scientific knowledge and innovation that enables people to thrive on a changing and challenging planet. Our geoscience and materials science expertise unlocks better economic, environmental, and social outcomes for local and global partners, customers, and communities.

We enable science-backed decision making about the things that matter most. Protecting people and economies from the shock of destructive natural hazard events. Harnessing natural resources for a sustainable energy future. Keeping property and infrastructure safe and resilient in the face of geohazard events and the intensifying effects of a changing climate.

GNS Science (GNS) has a 150+ year history in geoscience research and consultancy. Today, we build on this legacy, sharing critical knowledge, innovative products, and essential services for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future.

The role as the Laboratories and Workshops Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team overseeing the operations of laboratories and workshops at our sites in Avalon, Gracefield, and Wairakei sites. This role is pivotal in maintaining GNS Science’s reputation for delivering world-class research and laboratory services. You will manage diverse facilities, including geothermal fluid analysis, groundwater dating, stable and radiocarbon isotope analysis, ice core storage, and rock and soil mechanics testing.

This is a senior leadership role and you will be a key member of the Science and Commercial Leadership Team. Your responsibilities will include ensuring operational excellence of laboratories and facilities, delivering services to a range of research projects and commercials clients, and achievement of budgets.

Safety and excellence will be at the forefront of your leadership, as you ensure laboratories and workshops operate safely and efficiently while meeting the highest quality standards, including health and safety practices, external accreditations, and hazardous substances management.

About you, you are an experienced leader with at least 15 years in a similar field and a track record of managing laboratory and workshop operations, ideally in a scientific environment. Your strong leadership skills enable you to inspire teams, manage change, and deliver results in a collaborative setting.

You bring well-developed knowledge of laboratory processes, health and safety practices, and operational excellence, along with a deep understanding of New Zealand’s science and technology sector. Your ability to manage complex projects, drive innovation, and develop relationships with diverse stakeholders will set you apart.

With a postgraduate qualification in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience), you possess the critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills needed to thrive in this role. If you are a forward-thinking, collaborative leader ready to drive scientific innovation and operational excellence, we invite you to join GNS Science and make a lasting impact.

Why work for GNS science our work helps New Zealanders understand and address climate change, find and use greener energy and better manage the impacts of natural disasters on their homes and communities. People come from all over the world to work for GNS Science.

We foster a positive, collaborative culture, we invest in our people and provide a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace. This is a permanent, full time (38 hours per week) role and is based at our campus in Gracefield, Lower Hutt.