Senior Lab Technician / Quality 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 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Quality Management

Implement the quality control strategy for Analytical Services laboratory divisions in line with overall corporate strategy.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist line management with the implementation of ISO 17025.
• Evaluate improvement systems.
• Assist laboratory with corrective and remedial actions and complaints.
• Assume overall management/accountability and responsibility in ensuring that all remedial actions/complaints/IR findings are closed out within agreed timeframes.
• Provide training on quality and technical related matters.
• Create quality awareness at all staff levels.
• Assist with management reviews.
• Tailor procedures and processes for reliability and maintainability.
• Evaluation of Proficiency Tests.
• Responsible for all SANAS matters relating to the accreditation/compliance of the organization (as per responsibilities for Nominated Rep SANAS document R-03).
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

• Shall adhere to all Health, Safety and Environmental requirements of the SGS OI Management System, country legislation, Rules for Life, local legal requirements and laws.
• Shall comply and conform to the QHSE, Global and country policies of SGS.
• Participate and form part of Operational Integrity projects and campaigns.
• Shall report Health, Safety and Environmental hazards, incidents/accidents and near misses to the Supervisor/SHE Representative/Location Manager/OI Site Coordinator.
• Apply Check status process and use the Stop Work Authority whenever the control of risks is not clearly established and understood.
• Observe and report any faulty/nonfunctioning apparatus or equipment and or deviations from process/protocols/procedures/work instructions, to the Supervisor/Location Manager.
• Assist in investigations.
• Ensure that all proper procedures/Working instructions, etc. are followed.
• Assist with training of employee/s where required.
• Perform and ensure good housekeeping practices are maintained in all work areas at all times.
• Participate and adhere to all HSE Procedures/Working instructions, Integrity, Safe Talks, Toolbox talks, etc. training.
• Assist in the monthly stock counts within the department.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY

• Planning, scheduling and performing internal audits.
• Generating audit reports with findings and observations.
• Ensuring that all audit findings are closed off within agreed time-frames.
• Monthly trend analysis reports, with feedback and recommendations to QSHE manager and Regional Geochem Manager and site operations manager.
• Assume responsibility for advising clients on QA/QC acceptance criteria, and oversee the resolving of client queries related to QA/QC queries.
• Evaluation of all departments monthly QA/QC charts, with advisory assistance to departments with regards to any possible actions to minimize outliers/bias etc.
• Adhering to all quality and safety requirements of the management system.
• Play interactive role of global quality policy and systems of global Geochem laboratories, with a view to ensuring standardization of policies and systems.
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Qualifications

Education:

Matric. Preference will be given if applicant has a National Diploma Analytical Chemistry or higher.

Experience:

At least 3 years’ experience in an assay (gold) laboratory. Preference will be given if applicant has experience at Supervisor level.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Computer literate in Word and Excel.
• Excellent management skills.
• Valid Code 08 Drivers License.
• ISO 17025.