ICP Specialist

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.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The ICP Specialist is responsible for outlining the responsibilities and authorities in relation to post requirements of managerial, technical, and key support personnel

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research into and develop new ICP methods and procedures for the group in order to address analytical anomalies, client requests, and changing customer requirements
• Support all operations within Geochem throughout Africa.
• Keep up to date with new and novel developments in the analytical field of expertise in order to institute time savings, reliability, and efficiency improvements
• Solve analytical problems with respect to sample preparation, sample digestion and instrumental troubleshooting
• Conduct sample analysis using complicated and novel analytical methods
• Ensure that new staff members are continuously trained, job observations performed, and staff verified as competent
• Provide all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct quality procedures and health and safety guidelines
• Ensure that laboratory tests are performed in order to produce reliable and precise results to meet client requests and requirements
• Carry out routine tests accurately and follow strict SGS methodologies 
• Operate and maintain standard analytical laboratory equipment
• Calculate, verify, record, interpret, and report results to present to management and clients
• Ensure strict adherence to SGS Health, Safety, Quality procedures, protocols, and requirements.
• Maintain effective participation in proficiency testing schemes, maintain and monitor performance excellence, and report to agreed schedules
• Timeously address and close out non-conformances, corrective actions, and improvement requests.
• Conduct customer complaint Investigations as required and provide technical solutions to solve the problems
• Responsible for sample routing, formulating changes, improving workflow, and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
• Coordinate Method Development and Method Validation
• Responsible for effective and appropriate use of equipment and facilities
• Assist with results evaluation
• Determine accreditation requirements and implement and monitor
• Fulfils the role of Technical Manager as per SANAS ISO17025 requirements
• Ensure that company policies are adhered to by the staff
• Available to travel throughout Africa.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by the direct line manager

PROFILE

Education

• BSc, M.Sc. Chemistry, PhD in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent, or Science and/or proven years of laboratory, knowledge, skills, and experience sufficient to be recognized as a qualification through – Recognition of Prior Learning
• Languages: Proficiency in English (Read, Speak, Write)
• Advance Microsoft software experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid Passport

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in a testing environment or relevant field
• Solid Management/Senior Supervisory experience
• Minimum 3 years of method development and validation experience.
• Good understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 standard
• Document and report writing experience
• Must be fully acquainted with the LIMS system (SLIM)
• Expert working knowledge of the mining and minerals industry

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS)
• Good coordination and management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of personalities
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Superb organizational skills and concern for order
• Effective planning skills
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude when dealing with escalated issues
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment
• Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY 

• 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.