Section Manager Instrumentation - 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 89,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

The Instrumentation Manager has overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the operations infrastructure of the ICP-OES, AAS, ICP-MS, and the preparation laboratories pertaining to these sections. Through continuous improvement, optimize the utilization 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 above mentioned sections to ensure the smooth running of these facilities, and overall production and quality objectives for the Geochem are achieved.

• Collectively manage and utilize the laboratory resources (people, IT, software & hardware and training) to ensure a sound operational infrastructure in the Instrumentation sections.
• Through sound applications, ensure the required quality standards in the Geochem Department is achieved.
• Manage customer complaints and claims through a systematic approach and with clear resolve within the required timelines.
• Liaising with the clients regarding queries, concerns, and all relevant technical matters.
• Planning of resources and technical requirements for all major projects in the areas of accountability.
• Continuous improvement in the areas of responsibility to ensure that client and industry demands are met.
• Assist with Health & safety procedures and protocols and ensure that these are adopted and communicated to all laboratory employees.
• Method development and modification of existing services on demand and to continuously look at broadening the company’s scope of accreditation, with the assistance and sign off of the Technical Specialists.
• Cost control 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 matters relating to the accreditation/compliance of the organization (as per responsibilities for Nominated Representative SANAS document R-03).
• Ensure that production targets are set and managed on a daily basis.
• Has the responsibility and authority to fulfill the role of Technical Manager as per ISO17025.
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Authorize deviations to process, protocols and methods.
• Drive production plans.
• Address client complaints.
• Validate, approve and authorize analytical results.
• Authorize re-assays of nonconforming results.
• Authorize and sign-off competency of staff.
• Authorize and sign-off documents for use within department.
• Approve appointment of incumbent employees with Line Manager & HR.
• Discipline errant employees.
• Chair disciplinary enquiries.
• Authorize and validate new analytical methods and calibration standards for use.
• Authorize and manage leave.
• Authorize and manage overtime and shift rosters.
• Motivate and justify CAPEX, new staff, new equipment, and new services acquisitions for the Geochem department.
• Authorize resource allocations.

Education

• National Diploma – Analytical Chemistry
• Baccalaureus Technologiae – Laboratory Management

Experience

15 years post-graduate experience in analytical chemistry, in particular ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, and XRF, as well as management of a laboratory.

Competencies

• Mastery in technical knowledge of analytical processes.
• Able to work with technical and management staff.
• Able to coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal.
• Energy to motivate a team to always deliver results.
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Has extensive knowledge of international standards and specifications used by the industry.
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving.
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls.
• Holds self and others accountable.
• Works well under pressure.
• Challenges the status quo.
• Fluent in English.