Laboratory Technician
Full-Time | Bottling
Company: Poulter Family Wines Limited
Location: 70 Kerrs Road, Wiri, Auckland, 2104
About the Role
We are looking for a Laboratory Technician to carry out laboratory testing and support quality assurance activities for wine production and bottling at our Auckland site. The role helps verify that products and production processes meet approved specifications and site requirements, maintains accurate records, takes samples, and supports safe and timely product release in accordance with approved procedures.
You'll work closely with the Group Compliance Manager or nominated supervisor, as well as the Laboratory, Production, Bottling, Food Safety/Quality teams and external testing laboratories.
About Us
Poulter Group is a proudly 100% family‑owned New Zealand business built on hard work, care for our people, and a commitment to doing things properly. From orchard to vineyard, winery to bottling line, we grow, harvest, craft, bottle, and deliver quality wine through a vertically integrated, resilient, and future‑focused operation. As ONE team, we are building a strong, profitable, and sustainable wine and produce business for the next generation.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
Testing free and total sulphur dioxide (SO₂), filterability, turbidity, dissolved gas levels (O₂ and CO₂), and alcohol levels during production runs.
Recording results accurately, comparing them with applicable specifications, and promptly escalating out-of-specification or unusual results to the supervisor.
Collecting and identifying production samples for internal testing and external laboratory testing as required.
Coordinating the preparation, dispatch, and tracking of samples sent to approved external laboratories.
Maintaining retention samples and supporting shelf-life studies.
Contributing to finished-product release checks and carrying out or supporting pre- and post-production-line inspections.
Conducting random checks during production of critical control points (CCPs), cap integrity, and fill volume.
Carrying out internal ATP swabbing of designated food-contact or production areas and equipment.
Supporting production staff hygiene checks, glass and brittle plastic checks, and microbiological analysis.
Completing internal calibration checks for laboratory equipment and maintaining accurate, legible, complete, and timely laboratory and quality records.
Raising and documenting non-conformance reports when required and supporting investigations and corrective actions.
Following approved laboratory methods, work instructions, food safety and quality procedures, health and safety requirements, and site hygiene rules.
Cooperating with internal and external audits, traceability exercises, investigations, and continuous-improvement activities as requested.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 2 years' experience in laboratory testing, wine testing, quality assurance, or food/beverage manufacturing.
Experience following laboratory test methods and written procedures.
Ability to record results accurately, maintain traceable documentation, and manage samples correctly.
Understanding of food safety, product quality, hygiene, and health and safety requirements.
Experience working collaboratively with laboratory, production, and quality personnel in a production environment is desirable.
Personal Attributes
You will bring:
Good attention to detail and the ability to consistently follow test methods and written procedures.
Ability to record results accurately and maintain complete and traceable documentation.
Clear communication and confidence to raise concerns or escalate results outside specification.
Ability to work collaboratively with laboratory, production, and quality personnel in a production environment.
Commitment to food safety, product quality, hygiene, health and safety, and continuous improvement.
Good organisational skills and the ability to keep laboratory equipment, work areas, and samples organised and appropriately identified.
Ability to identify and promptly report abnormal test results, failed checks, and production deviations.
A responsible approach to maintaining confidentiality and handling company records and product information.
How to apply
If this role sounds like the right fit for you and you are excited about the opportunity to join the Poulter Family Wines team, we would love to hear from you. Please click the " Apply " button and follow the prompts to submit your application.
If you would like to learn more about the role, the bottling line, or what it is like to be part of our team, please get in touch at [email protected]