Lab Manager

Asahi Refining; Brampton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Refining is seeking a senior laboratory manager to direct and mentor the lab team, ensure safe operations, and maintain high quality results across development and routine analyses. You will drive process improvements, manage budgets, and coordinate with EH&S, production, and engineering to sustain asset performance in a metals refinery setting.

The role requires 5–10 years in senior lab roles, a chemistry or physical sciences background, and strong data management and instrumentation

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in chemistry or physical sciences or Bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience.
• Prefer working knowledge of instrumentation, analytical methods and procedures.
• Requires knowledge of inorganic and analytical chemistry.
• Prefer knowledge of metallurgy with experience in quantitative analysis in a metallurgical laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coaches lab staff to ensure efficient operations and continuous improvements.
• Establishes departmental objectives to meet corporate directives.
• Ensures compliance with EH&S policies and procedures through inspections and meetings.
• Manages method development, quality control and quality assurance within the laboratory.

Skills

Lab management

Leadership

Analytical chemistry

Data management

QA/QC

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry or physical sciences

Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience

Tools

LIMS

ICP

Fire Assay

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

Asahi Refining is a global leader in precious metal assaying, refining, and bullion products, built on nearly 200 years of industry experience and innovation. Formed through Asahi Holdings’ acquisition of Johnson Matthey’s long-established gold and silver refining operations, the company benefits from a strong heritage of quality, precision, and technical expertise.

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent will be responsible for directing and monitoring the laboratory supervisor and staff to meet business objectives by ensuring efficient and safe operations. Key requirements of this position are research and development to keep the operation technologically viable, effective data management and strict procedural controls with an emphasis on quality of results from the Laboratory.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provides direction, coaching, and guidance to the lab supervisor to ensure efficient operations and continuous improvements in both laboratories as well as standardization of lab practices.
• Establishes departmental objectives to meet corporate directives.
• Ensures compliance of all governmental and Asahi Refining’s environmental, health and safety policies and procedures through daily inspections, monthly employee meetings, and safe work practices.
• Resolves all lab related EH&S non-conformances that are reported, determined by audits and in-house inspections.
• Identifies, monitors, and develops key laboratory staff members’ performance for training opportunities, increased future responsibility, and succession planning.
• Implements yearly inventory procedures and maintains inventory balances throughout the year.
• Monitors physical inventory for errors in recording of data and reviews reports of inventory balances and shortages.
• Accomplishes results by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job performance, coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees; initiating, coordinating, and enforcing systems, policies, and procedures. Other managerial responsibilities include but are not limited to promoting employees, reassigning employees, managing employee absences, completing performance reviews, and resolving employee issues and concerns.
• Actively seeks out opportunities for continuous improvement and makes recommendations to the appropriate teams for review and implementation, including expansion of analytical and assay methods and equipment through development and capital investment.
• Responsible for the development of the department expense and capital budgets and operates within budgeted costs.
• Develops, maintains, and utilizes up-to-date laboratory standard operating procedures and work instructions to conduct all new employee, environmental, health, safety, and procedural training.
• Utilizes professional technical knowledge by participating in professional associations, attending workshops and technical conferences, and reviewing professional publications, journal articles, technical papers and literature, identifying and engaging in collaborative development both internally and externally.
• Responsible for planning and purchasing laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• Provides technical expertise and support to all other departments as needed, including process, engineering, commercial or production assistance, helping them to maintain high sampling standards.
• Manages all method development, quality control, and quality assurance within the laboratory.
• Ensures all settlement assays are accurate and commercially viable including monitoring of all umpire results.
• Develops and manages the maintenance of all laboratory software.
• Fully understands the site’s operating program and utilizes it to review stock, distribute metal and adjust content.

• Works closely with the lab in our Salt Lake City operation on various projects and initiatives.

Perform other tasks as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFICATION

• A minimum of 5-10 years’ experience within a senior laboratory or laboratory management role or equivalent.
• Must be able to move multiple tasks forward at the same time.
• Must be able to resolve or clearly communicate potential or actual problems to other operations departments and EH&S management.
• Must demonstrate technical expertise in area of metal analysis, utilization of balances, ICP, wet chemistry, or Fire Assay.
• Training: Must satisfactorily complete internal work procedure training.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Education: Master’s degree in chemistry or physical sciences or Bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience.
• Prefer working knowledge of instrumentation, analytical methods and procedures.
• Requires knowledge of inorganic and analytical chemistry.
• Prefer knowledge of metallurgy with experience in quantitative analysis in a metallurgical laboratory.
• Prefer experience with laboratory information management software (LIMS).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Possess a strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy, background in QA/QC would be beneficial.
• Strong mathematical aptitude and numeracy skills; capable of creating and maintaining spreadsheets; performing calculations; tracking and compiling data; and an ability to convert various units of measure accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Advanced skills in Word and Excel.
• Can effectively manage a diverse group of employees.
• Solid working knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

PERSONAL SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; capable of effectively communicating operational objectives, training, and resolving employee issues; is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of external and internal clients; can establish good working relationships with others building trust and respect and confidence in meeting expectations.
• Strong delegation skills with ability to assign responsibility for tasks, set objectives, and monitor progress ensuring completion to meet business requirements.
• Expert problem solving skills in assisting employees with resolving work related issues as well as investigating and resolving discrepancies; able to assist with providing solutions to challenges; keeps excellent records for future reference.
• Can effectively build a team by fostering strong morale; has open dialogue and communication with team and creates a culture of teamwork.
• Capable of providing strong leadership to the team with a focus on meeting department goals and company objectives, while also providing supervision, direction, and coaching to employees.
• Demonstrates ability to motivate team; creating a climate where employees strive to succeed; empowering others to take ownership and provide input.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in keeping track of priorities, deadlines and ensuring timelines are met.
• Maintains calmness and composure in emergency situations with ability to take a leadership role in implementing appropriate action under the circumstances.
• Possess strong functional and technical knowledge to perform required tasks at a high level.
• Ability to work in a team environment supporting team members with a positive attitude and willingness to provide assistance.
• Capable of working independently with little supervision.
• Demonstrates high ethical standards and honesty and integrity upholding the requirements of the position.
• Exhibits managerial courage and can address issues at a management level that fall outside of company policy.