Commercial Laboratory Manager

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Job Description

The incumbent will be required to manage a commercial laboratory and site laboratories awarded to the office. He / She will be responsible for all laboratory related tasks, whether it’s on site or in the commercial laboratory. He / She shall be responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of the SGS quality systems. To ensure that the laboratory and office functions run smoothly, with excellent quality of service, the saving of manpower cost, which contributes to accuracy, productivity, and profitability. To ensure all equipment is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. To ensure materials testing is completed in all laboratory divisions, including soils, asphalt, seals, concrete, and aggregate with bench calculation as and when required for testing. The Commercial Laboratory Manager will ensure that housekeeping in and around the laboratory is in line with the accreditation, 5S and SGS requirements at all times.

Responsibilities

• Submit quotations and tenders to existing and potential clients.
• Market and increase the SGS footprint.
• Ensure meeting budget and L&C.
• Submit financial reports within the prescribed timeframe and format.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals and training for all reporting staff.
• Submit all HR and payroll related information to the relevant HRBP/Payroll Administrator in the correct format.
• Ensure that the accreditation and Health and Safety requirements are adhered to and improved in and around the laboratory.
• Act as the liaison with clients for receiving job instructions, providing clients with feedback on progress and final results within an acceptable timeframe.
• Channel instructions to applicable divisions and reporting staff.
• Review job instructions and approve processing where required.
• Review and source resources where necessary, following company policies and procedures.
• Monitor progress to ensure that tests are completed and reported timeously.
• Do the final checking and approval of reports prior to issue to clients.
• Ensure that the test methods used are the most up to date.
• Evaluate and approve suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Ensure that purchased equipment meets specifications before implementation.
• Implement and maintain the quality system and ensure that all reporting staff have relevant knowledge thereof.
• Complete audits on documentation, results, and reports as per schedule.
• Identify and acquire any capital equipment and consumables as required by test methods.
• Assess results of proficiency tests.
• Verify calibration of equipment according to schedule.
• Carry out corrective actions as necessary.
• Arrange repair and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist with the logistics of site establishment and disestablishment.
• Manage staff, equipment, and budget accordingly.
• Provide training for personnel as and when required.
• Complete weekly inspection reports.
• Plan work effectively.
• Ensure safety in the laboratory, adhering to Health and Safety specifications.

Qualifications

• Relevant National Diploma or NQF 6 OR
• Grade 12 or NQF 4 OR Grade 10 or equivalent. Degree/Diploma in Civil Engineering and/or proven years of laboratory knowledge, skills, and experience sufficient to be recognized as a qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning.
• Proficiency in English.
• Basic literacy and penmanship.
• Driver’s License.

Additional Information

• Attention to detail.
• Ability to operate pro-actively.
• Good interpersonal skills towards colleagues, customers, and suppliers.