Regional Quality Manager

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

Implement and maintain the quality system at all the SGS Natural Resources Laboratories (Geochem and Affiliates) to ensure total compliance to ISO17025:2005, SGS SA high level procedures and SGS Global requirements.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate to the highest standard of ethics as directed by the SGS integrity policy.
• Participate in strategic planning relating to the quality function in all sections within the facility.
• Fulfill the role of Quality Manager at site level as per ISO17025 when required.
• Maintain documentation and standard operating procedures required to comply with laboratory ISO accreditation.
• Facilitate and monitor method validation process under the testing scope.
• Review quality control data for trends and biases. Raise IR’s for non-conforming data.
• Determine control limits for standard reference materials and update Lims system.
• Facilitate external audits, follow up and resolve external audit action items.
• Reviews PT results and raise IR’s for non-conforming data.
• Compile monthly report and submit within deadline to the Global Quality Manager.
• Prepare a monthly quality KPI presentation and present to senior management.
• Manage document control within the region.
• Ensure Management of Change is followed for any quality system changes.
• Coordinate and administer the quality improvement systems.
• Assist with the evaluation and root cause analysis for proficiency testing data.
• Assist during investigations originating from customer complaints.
• Provide planned quality related training and awareness as required.
• Facilitate and plan all management reviews.
• Comply with health, safety and environmental acts, regulations and requirements.
• Work with a safety conscious attitude and demonstrates good and safe work habits.
• Actively participate in the Laboratory continuous improvement program (WCS).
• Apply Check status process and use the Stop Work Authority whenever the control of risks is not clearly established and understood.
• 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 training on new methods and/or procedures.
• Responsible for all deadline relating to the quality system. (IR’s, Audit NC’s and Customer Complaints)
• Required to travel

Education

• BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or Science and/or proven years of laboratory, knowledge, skills and experience sufficient to be recognized as a qualification through – Recognition of Prior Learning
• ISO or College Quality Assurance Program Diploma
• Grade 12 / Matric or N3 with Mathematics and Science as subjects

Experience

• 8 Years work experience in a testing environment
• 5 Years management system experience (ISO 9000, 17025 or other)
• Advance Microsoft software experience
• Document and report writing experience.
• Statistical Quality Control knowledge

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Self-motivator
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Outstanding Attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of personalities.
• Good verbal and communication skills
• 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 multi-task and handle several issues simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude when dealing with escalated issues.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY 

• Contribute with scientific and technical leadership and planning to ensure the quality assurance program is effective and efficient.
• Ensure that the quality requirements are not subordinated to any prejudicial interest.
• 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 jeopardized.
• Identify non-conformances with respect to the quality system and address these non-conformances in timely and unbiased approach to achieve customer satisfaction.
• Provide guidance and direction to laboratory personnel with respect to quality control and proper documentation in implementing methodologies and data reporting.
• Plan, schedule and perform quality assessments (could be in the form of audits) this provide certainty towards the quality control activities. This also demonstrate that the data produced is at a defined level of precision and accuracy and in accordance with the end users’ requirements.
• 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 act and assist with the necessary 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 and assist with the necessary action.
• Ensure appropriate disciplinary procedures against any instances of non-conformance of any individual / section to the relevant quality protocols and management system.
• 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 a situation.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Implementation and maintenance of the quality system.