Application Guide

How to Apply for Team Lead, Software

at Tomra

🏢 About Tomra

Tomra is a global leader in advanced sensor-based sorting and resource recovery systems, specifically focused on creating a circular economy by minimizing waste. What makes them unique is their mission-driven approach to solving real-world environmental challenges through cutting-edge technology like computer vision for food sorting. Working here means contributing directly to sustainable solutions that have measurable environmental impact.

About This Role

As Team Lead, Software at Tomra New Zealand, you'll lead a team developing real-time computer vision algorithms for food sorting systems while maintaining hands-on technical involvement. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape solutions that optimize resource recovery, reduce food waste, and advance circular economy goals through both leadership and technical contributions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves morning stand-ups with your software team, collaborating with cross-functional teams on project requirements, designing or refining computer vision algorithms for food sorting applications, and reviewing code or system architecture. You'll balance technical leadership with hands-on development work, ensuring solutions align with Tomra's mission of optimizing resource recovery through advanced technology.

🎯 Who Tomra Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience leading software teams while remaining hands-on with computer vision algorithm development and deployment
  • Demonstrates ability to bridge technical and business needs, connecting cross-functional teams to deliver complete software solutions
  • Possesses practical experience with end-to-end software delivery in industrial or real-time systems environments
  • Shows a solutions-first mindset with examples of cutting through complexity in technical projects

📝 Tips for Applying to Tomra

1

Highlight specific experience with computer vision algorithms in industrial or real-time applications, not just academic projects

2

Demonstrate how you've connected technical teams with business outcomes in previous roles, using concrete examples

3

Showcase both leadership achievements and recent hands-on technical contributions in your resume

4

Research Tomra's specific food sorting technologies and mention how your skills align with their real-time processing needs

5

Emphasize experience with complete software delivery cycles in regulated or industrial environments

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience balancing technical leadership with hands-on software development in computer vision', 'Specific examples of connecting cross-functional teams to deliver complete software solutions', "How your technical expertise aligns with Tomra's mission of resource recovery and waste minimization", 'Demonstrated ability to cut through complexity in technical projects with a solutions-first approach']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Tomra's specific food sorting technologies and their applications in the circular economy
  • The company's sustainability goals and how software contributes to resource recovery
  • Tomra's presence in New Zealand and their local projects or clients
  • Computer vision applications in industrial sorting and quality control systems

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you led a team while remaining hands-on with technical development of computer vision algorithms
2 How have you connected software development with business outcomes in previous projects?
3 What experience do you have with real-time systems and what challenges are unique to this environment?
4 How would you approach developing a computer vision solution for food sorting with specific quality and speed requirements?
5 Tell us about a complex technical problem you simplified or solved through a solutions-first approach
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on leadership experience without demonstrating recent hands-on technical skills in software development
  • Presenting generic software experience without specific examples related to computer vision or real-time systems
  • Failing to connect technical skills to business outcomes or Tomra's mission of resource recovery

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Tomra!