Laboratory Manager

WHAT IS ON OFFER

Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Manager to join the team in Steelpoort.  This individual is responsible for the management of the day-to-day analytical services and implementation of AHK QNS for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accreditation, and maintenance thereafter within Alfred H Knight Steelpoort Laboratory. To ensure that an efficient and high-quality analytical service is provided, by maintaining the overall technical competency of the Laboratory facility. The role requires a pro-active approach to problem-solving; fundamentally, a role that supports the Group worldwide, in addressing client based technical queries and general analytical issues, whilst ensuring the impartiality and confidentiality of results.

ABOUT US

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people. Click here to find out more about AHK.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

To be successful at Alfred H Knight the incumbent will need to display the following:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Operationally responsible for:

• Providing technical advice and support to the Group worldwide on client based queries relating to methods of analysis and specific client based analytical problems


• Providing technical advice and support to the Steelpoort laboratory staff as required, on technical or related operational problems, leading and guiding in a 'trouble shooting' procedure to subordinates


• Advising the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager of repetitive technical problems relating to day-to-day Laboratory Analytical Procedures or potential technical problems


• Ensure QC data is compiled and reviewed on a cyclic basis, and ensure that quality standards are being maintained, and that the methods are current and validated, and reflect the procedures applied throughout the AHK Group


• Maintaining record keeping within the Laboratory, such that work is clearly and easily auditable, and traceable within the guidelines of the SANAS ISO17025 accreditation


• Supporting the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager in organizing and participating in client visits, laboratory tours, and general client based technical discussion


• Participating in disciplinary and grievance meetings in line with Company procedure and in consultation with the Human Resource department 


• Participating in the interview and recruitment process of personnel with prior approval from the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager and General Manager


• Ensuring that the Company's induction procedure is followed for new employees, and that all documents relating to an employee's induction are kept up-to-date


• Holding regular meetings with staff ensures that the workforce is sufficiently motivated, skilled, and properly trained to meet the operational needs of the business. It is the post holder's responsibility to inform the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager of continual resourcing difficulties and, or, operational problems


• Ensuring that equipment is maintained in a working and calibrated state, organizing maintenance as per equipment supplier recommendations


• Supporting the development of personnel for specific technical roles overseas, and full cooperation with Group Quality and Technical initiatives and recommendations


• Undertaking other duties of an appropriate nature in consultation with the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager and General Manager


• Maintaining a professional standard and appearance during office hours and while promoting the company when on company business


• Ensuring the Company's Health & Safety policy is applied effectively in areas under the Post Holder's control


• Allocates labour and material resources cost effectively to meet requirements following discussion with superior and subordinates


• Ensures availability and maintenance of equipment, materials and purity standards by regular examinations and compilation of reference materials records


• Scrutinise all the results of analysis done in the laboratory for quality, before reporting to the Admin Department and ensures customer satisfaction


• Resolves problems reported by subordinates through discussions and on the spot investigation and instructing accordingly


• Ensures visual examination of equipment and measuring instruments is performed for sources of unwanted contamination and malfunctions that affect accuracy by development of daily equipment checklists


• Ensures use of designated reference materials to conduct independent checks on instrument calibrations


• Ensures adequate stock levels for all chemical stores requisites and timely reordering for replacement


• Assists superiors with information required for long term planning and forecasting of analytical services


• Evaluates recorded data regularly and reports findings to superior for discussion and to plan improvements


• Discusses problems and priorities for analytical investigation or development and compiles agreed Action Plans and schedule


• Write weekly and monthly laboratory performance reports covering safety, sample analyses, quality (QC performance, repeats and customer complaints), cost, people and equipment


• Write comprehensive reports in support of investigation projects including recommendations to enhance productivity or improve quality assurance


• Instructs subordinates in planned lectures on the use of suitable practices and instruments. Demonstrates operation and optimisation of measurement principles and advises on permissible tolerances


• Performs any requests for routine analytical work and assists subordinates to complete tasks during emergencies

Required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements and their implementation up to Accreditation level


• Computer Literacy and LIMS


• Good timekeeping and time management skills


• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Ability to effectively manage the day-to-day analytical laboratory operations


• Ability to supervise, manage and train subordinates


• Quality: ‘Right first time’ approach, completes work to a high standard, continually looking for improvements and strong problem-solvers, high level of attention to detail is key within this role


• Project management skills: Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time to successfully meet deadlines


• Managing uncertainty: Handles pressure and ambiguity well, exercises good judgment and handles challenges in a mature manner


• Technical Skills on method development and validation


• Critical thinking: Decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision


• Team Player / Interpersonal: Builds and maintains positive working relationships with their own team and more widely.  Able to work as part of a team as well as independently,  leads by example


• Strict adherence to Health and Safety procedures


• Honest, Adaptable and Flexible


• Thrives in an exciting, collaborative and global environment

Required Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in an Analytical Laboratory  with 5 years’ at Laboratory Management level


• Experience and knowledge of PGMs and Chrome Analysis

Required Qualifications

• Grade 12 (with Maths & Science) 


• Analytical Chemistry Diploma/Degree

Required Languages

• Fluent in English communication 
  

BENEFITS
We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community in line with our Employment Equity Plan.