Laboratory Manager

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

The Laboratory Manager, Geochem has overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the operations infrastructure of all Geochem facilities at the Barberton site. Through continuous improvement, optimise the utilisation of the laboratories and capacity to ensure throughput and quality according to client’s requirements and compliance with our integrity programs. Planning and developing of operational requirements for the areas of responsibility and to ensure the smooth running of these facilities. Ensure that the overall production and quality objectives for the Geochem facility under his/her control are achieved.

• Collectively manage and utilise the laboratory resources (human resources, equipment, IT software & hardware and training) to ensure a sound operational infrastructure in the Geochem facility.
• Ensure the required quality standards in the Geochem department are achieved.
• Manage customer complaints and claims through a systematic approach and with clear resolve within the required timelines.
• Liaise with clients regarding queries, concerns, and all relevant technical matters.
• Overall accountable for the provision and planning of resources as well as the technical requirements for all major projects in the division.
• Responsible for continuous improvement in the department to ensure that client and industry demands are met.
• Accountable for Health & safety procedures and protocols and ensure that these are adopted, implemented in the department and communicated effectively to all laboratory employees.
• Ensure continuous improvement in terms of market requirements through applicable method development and modification of existing services on demand and continuously look at broadening the company’s scope of accreditation.
• Responsible for effective cost control to ensure maximum benefit for the customer, without compromising the quality of the services and products.
• Operate to the highest standards of ethics, in accordance with the SGS Statement of Integrity.
• Lead, coach and develop the operating team in the laboratory.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Responsible for all SANAS & SABS matters relating to the accreditation and compliance with the SGS quality management system.
• Accountable for meeting business budget revenues and profitability forecasts.
• Responsible for building and maintaining a cohesive and motivated team, focused on client service & satisfaction with a high level of collaboration between technical groups.
• Responsible for long & short term strategic operational development of the Geochem facility.
• Contribute ideas and support to global Minerals structures within the Group.
• Responsible for setting annual budget targets for revenue and profit for the Geochem department, in collaboration with Regional SGS Geochem Manager.
• Must have local technical product knowledge.
• Develop budgets for specific local projects and new services.
• Responsible for appropriate service level as per agreement with clients.

Education

• BSc or NDip in Chemistry or equivalent.
• Business qualification an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• 5 years supervision at management level in a geochemical field.
• Extensive experience with laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and organisational skills.

Competencies

• Able to translate operational strategy into pragmatic action plans and execute.
• Able to interact with clients at all levels.
• Mastery in operational activities and principles with related technical knowledge.
• Is analytical and creative.
• Able to work autonomously with regular communication to management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, at all levels.
• Works well under pressure.
• Fluent English and local language an asset.
• Applies judgment and acts according to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity.
• Sound financial acumen.
• Management skills.
• Client liaison and good communication skills.