Laboratory Manager Kathu

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 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

The Laboratory Manager, SGS Kathu has overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the operations infrastructure of all Geochem facilities at the UMK Mine site. 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 areas of responsibility and to ensure the smooth running of these facilities. Ensure that the overall production and quality objectives for the Geochem facility under his / her control are achieved.

• Collectively manage and utilize the laboratory resources (human resources, equipment, IT software & hardware and training) to ensure a sound operational infrastructure in the Geochem facility.
• 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.
• Overall accountable for the provision and planning of resources as well as the technical requirements for all major projects in the division.
• Responsible for the continuous improvement in the department to ensure that client and industry demands are met.
• Accountable with Health & safety procedures and protocols and ensure that these are adopted, implemented in the department and communicated effectively to all laboratory employees.
• Ensure continuous improvement in terms of market requirements through applicable method development and modification of existing services on demand and to continuously looking at broadening the company’s scope of accreditation.
• Responsible for effective cost control to ensure maximum benefit for the customer, 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 and compliance with the SGS quality management system
• Accountable for meeting Business budget revenues and profitability forecasts
• Responsible for building and maintaining a single, cohesive and motivated team, focused on client service & satisfaction with a high level of collaboration between technical groups.
• Responsible for long & short term strategic operational development of the Geochem facility
• Contribute ideas and support to global Minerals structures within the Group
• Responsible for setting annual budget targets for revenue and profit for the Geochem department, in collaboration with Regional SGS Geochem Manager.
• Must have local technical product knowledge
• Develop budgets for specific local projects and new services
• Responsible for appropriate service level as per agreement with clients.                SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES
• 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.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services 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.
• Responsible for all Health, Safety and environmental procedures.
• Up keeping of the Contractors pack files.
• Conduct weekly safety / talk meetings.
• Complete all Safety documentation for the Month-End OI & Quality Reports, and BOSS invoicing.
• Implementing SGS and UMK Safety Policies, COP’s and SOP’s.
• Maintaining all existing HSE documentation and improve on it continuously.
• Appointed as SHE Coordinator and ICAM investigator.

Attend and conduct H&S meetings as operational required.

• Matric (Grade 12)
• BSC or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
• Certificate in overall Quality Management will be an advantage
• Business qualification an advantage

Required skills:

• 5 Years administrative experience
• Advanced Microsoft software experience
• G6 / SLIM experience
• Quality (and safety) management system experience will be an advantage, especially ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Outstanding Attention to detail.
• Double checks the accuracy of information and work product.
• Expresses concern that things be done right, thoroughly or precisely.
• Effective planning and organization
• Anticipates obstacles realistically when planning.  Keeps clear, detailed records of own or other’s activities related to the accomplishment of stated objectives.  Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively.
• Effective computer skills
• Comprehension of systems function and utilization thereof.
• Concern for order and quality
• Reflects an underlying drive to reduce uncertainty in the surrounding environment.  It is expressed in such forms as monitoring and checking work or information, insisting on clarity of roles and functions, etc.
• Flexibility
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively within a variety of situations and with various individuals or groups.  Flexibility entails understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue, adapting one’s approach as the requirements of a situation changes and changing or easily accepting changes in job requirements. Translates Strategy into Actions
•    Influences Internally & Externally
•    Delivers Superior Results
• Able to translate operational strategy into pragmatic action plans and execute
• Able to interact with clients at all levels
• Mastery in operational activities and principles with related technical knowledge