Quality Coordinator - 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 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

To implement and maintain the quality system in the Geochem Northam Eland facility so as to ensure total compliance to ISO17025, SGS SA high level procedures and SGS Global requirements.

To achieve Site Quality objectives and targets.

• Implement, maintain and update the laboratory’s ISO/IEC 17025-compliant QMS, including policies, procedures, SOPs, work instructions, and document control.
• Timeously conduct inspections and compile reports relating to the Quality function and ensure that monthly reports are submitted before the communicated deadlines
• Schedule and attend all quality related meetings on the site
• Ensure quality procedures are adopted and communicated to all employees.
• Monitor and action all activities with regards to quality related issues.
• Continuously assist in operational processes to ensure required quality standards are met.
• Ensure compliance to the Site Quality System/Procedures and relevant Legislation.
• Control all quality documents and records for the Site.
• Conduct internal quality audits at the different departments/work areas.
• Ensure that required risk assessments are conducted and communicated to employees.
• Operate to the highest standard of ethics as indicated in the SGS integrity programs;
• Maintain an up-to-date scope of testing and coordination of the documentation and standard operating procedures required to comply with laboratory ISO 17025 accreditation;
• Evaluate data in quality role but shall not report opinions and interpretations;
• Facilitate and monitor method validation process in the laboratory;
• Coordinate and administer the improvement system;
• Build relationships with all technical and professional personnel;
• Build relationships with suppliers and clients
• Assist with the evaluation and root cause analysis of proficiency tests, customer complaints, audit findings, Non-conformances and improvement requests;
• Provide planned quality related training and awareness as required;
• Plan, schedule and perform quality assessments to provide certainty that the quality control activities are being done effectively;
• Facilitate and plan all management reviews;
• Ensure integrity of monthly inputs into the QHSE Report;
• Be able to statistically evaluate data;
• Develop a document control system for the laboratory which is in line with SGS high level system document and ISO 17025 requirements;
• Provide guidance and direction to laboratory personnel with respect to quality control and proper documentation in implementing methodologies and data reporting;
• Provide constant feedback to Manager on status of quality in the laboratory;
• Comply with health, safety and environmental acts, regulations and requirements;
• Work with safety conscious attitude and demonstrate good and safe work habits;
• Travel, shift work and overtime may be required;
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager;
• Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such situations.
• Contribute with scientific and technical leadership and planning so as to ensure quality assurance program is effective and efficient.
• Ensure that the quality requirements are not subjected to any prejudicial interests.
• 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 the laboratory accreditation under ISO 17025 is not jeopardised.
• Identify non-conformances with respect to the quality system and address these non-conformances in timely and unbiased approach to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without necessary knowledge and protection and report the situation to higher authority to take action and assist with the necessary action.
• Cease to carry out work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action and assist with the necessary action.
• Obtain and keep ISO17025 accreditation on Metal Accounting methods/schemes and ensure laboratory processes consistently produce accurate, traceable, and defensible metal accounting data aligned with ISO 17025 requirements, client specifications, and industry best practices.
• Compile accurate Client requested repeats confirming report and communicate with the Laboratory Manager and Regional Quality Manager before the communicated deadlines
• Communicate client requested Investigation reports by the client’s deadlines
• Coordinate internal audits, proficiency testing, method validations, and management reviews and ensure that PT scheme results are reported by the deadlines
• Close out NCs and IRs by required deadlines
• Certified Reference materials selection, verification, and traceability.
• Bias, precision, and accuracy evaluations, monitor biasis on weekly basis and act when bias over period of time present
• Monthly evaluations of CRM performances in the form of a presentation and comparisons to other Northam and external laboratories

Education

• Senior certificate (Matric).
• Bsc degree or diploma in Science
• ISO or College Quality Assurance Program Diploma

Experience 

• 5 years work experience in an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory (PGM or mineral/metals lab experience preferred).Experience with PGM metal accounting methods including sample prep, fire assay, peroxide fusion and digestion and instrumental analysis (ICP-OES, Carbon and sulphur by combustion IR analyser, autotitrator) will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in LIMS systems and quality tools (root cause analysis, fishbone, uncertainty analysis), Datamine CCLAS will be an advantage.
• Advanced Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Sharepoint experience;
• Document and report writing experience;
• Statistical Quality Control knowledge would be advantageous
• Experience with QMS, internal auditing, and method validation.

Required Skills

• Team player
• Positive attitude; willing to learn
• Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 standards
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work under accreditation pressure and audit environments.
• Strong documentation and compliance mindset.
• Self-motivator
• Good verbal and communication skills
• Ability to multi task
• Outstanding attention to detail
• Concern for order
• Effective planning and organising

• Competent technical knowledge of multiple analytical processes
• Able to work with technical and management staff
• Able to coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal
• Motivate a team to deliver results timeously.
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving
• Consult immediately with Manager with respect to client complaints and anomalous results and other technical non-conformances.
• Works well under pressure.
• Challenges the status quo
• Fluent in English