Microbiologist (8-Month Fixed-term Contract )

Full job description
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Function: Supply Chain

Type of Contract: 8-Month Fixed-term Contract (Tentatively Aug 2025 – Mar 2026)

As DB's Microbiologist, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, cost-effective technical and quality control service to the Waitemata Brewery, while also supporting other DB manufacturing sites and subsidiaries as needed. Your role will involve ensuring compliance with the Brewery Control Plan, maintaining laboratory standards in line with the Heineken Laboratory Star System (LSS), and driving continuous improvement through TPM methodology as the PQ Pillar Deputy Lead. You'll contribute to safety initiatives, uphold quality systems, provide technical expertise across the business, and support training and development within the lab team—all while fostering a positive and safe working environment.

Key Accountabilities:

Quality Compliance: Ensure all laboratory operations meet the Brewery Control Plan and align with the Heineken Laboratory Star System (LSS) and company-wide quality standards.
Technical Excellence: Deliver accurate, timely, and cost-effective laboratory services while continuously improving systems and maintaining core analytical competencies.
Business Support: Act as a technical resource across the business, supporting other DB sites and subsidiaries as needed, and contribute to broader operational goals.
TPM Safety Leadership: Embrace TPM methodology as the PQ Pillar Deputy Lead, actively participate in safety initiatives, and maintain a safe working environment.
Culture Capability: Foster a positive team culture, provide training to others, and perform additional tasks to support evolving business needs.
Your background and experience:

A degree in Microbiology, Food Science/Technology (Brewing diploma a bonus!).
1–2 years’ lab experience and solid MS Office skills.
Familiarity with auditing practices, ISO 17025 environments, and improvement methodologies like TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma.
Sensory evaluation skills and strong attention to detail are important for maintaining high lab standards.
Ability to train others and contribute to a safe, positive working culture.
Must have valid New Zealand work rights.
Ready to raise the bar in brewing science? Apply now and be part of something refreshing.

Please note: We are not accepting candidates from recruitment agencies for this role.

When you join DB Breweries, you join the global HEINEKEN whanau, where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, contribute their ideas, learn, and grow as part of one of the largest beer and cider brewing companies in the world spanning 70 countries.

We believe diverse views make great brews, and the vibe in our team is very much reflected in our four values: PASSION for consumers and customers, CARE for people and planet, ENJOYMENT of life, and COURAGE to dream and pioneer.

We offer a great range of employee benefits and positive culture which includes:

3% employer contribution to your KiwiSaver.
Monthly allowance of beer, RTDs, cider or zero alcohol beverages.
Free learning and wellbeing tools and leadership development programmes.
Flexible work arrangements for roles that can be performed remotely including work-from-home up to two days each week.
As a member of Mind The Gap, we’re committed to addressing gender pay gaps and we’ve also supported the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry.
Free parking.
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