Laboratory Manager - Brits

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 has overall responsibility for the operation and all the functions associated with the Laboratory. Accountabilities include the effectiveness and efficiencies of the laboratory and overall quality. The Laboratory Manager has overall accountability for maintaining laboratory compliance to ISO/IEC 17025 and delivers results to meet both the customers and the regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Promotes and monitors all aspects of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Promotes the highest level of quality and ensures that the QMS is part of the day-to-day operation with all policies and procedures followed as documented.
• Communicates with all staff and other management.
• Provides technical support or direction for customer services and external clients.
• Ensures compliance to all analysis standards.
• Adheres to all aspects of SGS policies, procedures and Management and Quality Management system.
• Assists in budgeting process for specific projects and new service development.
• Develops and implements operational tools and guidelines.
• Conducts in-house laboratory training.
• Ensures effective use of communication tools.
• Assists in resolving technical situations of unusual complexity or sensitivity.
• Ensures consistency and accuracy of policies, quotations and procedures and strategic planning; evaluates activities to recommend changes in processes, regulations and other programs and procedures to improve customer service.
• Responsible for the direction of laboratory staff and program activities.
• Independent decision-making responsibilities regarding division.
• Ensures environmental policies are being kept and followed.
• Adheres to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Performs any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Manages and maintains the accredited Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 17025.
• Provides supervision and leadership to staff.
• Authorized to evaluate and report all analytical results.
• Has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such a situation.
• Ceases the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard.
• Initiates a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs or possible improvements are identified.

Qualifications

Education

• BSc Chemistry or equivalent
• Extensive laboratory experience in a mining environment
• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication skills are required

Experience

• 5 years supervision at management level in a geochemical field
• Instrumentation skills
• Extensive experience with laboratory operations
• Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must have a good working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025.

Competencies

• Self-motivated, able to multi-task and possesses good verbal and written communication
• Previous management experience and can create a work environment that fosters a team approach
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls
• Able to coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously
• Innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving
• Works well under pressure