Operations Manager

ALS; Jeddah; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ALS is seeking a Minerals Operations Manager to lead our geochemistry laboratory in Saudi Arabia. This role is crucial for ensuring operational excellence and delivering high-quality service to clients in the mining industry. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in laboratory management, strong technical skills, and a commitment to safety and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in senior laboratory management role.
• Strong technical expertise in geochemical laboratory instruments.
• Excellent knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory production, safety, and quality assurance.
• Conduct daily operational meetings and optimize lab operations.
• Lead internal audits and implement continuous improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Customer service

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline

Tools

ICP-AES

XRF

TGA

Carbon Analyzers

Fire Assay

Job description

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Our people are passionate and committed to their work — pushing the boundaries of their fields and delivering solutions that help our clients solve some of their toughest challenges.

About the Role

ALS is seeking an experienced Minerals Operations Manager to lead the performance of our geochemistry laboratory in Saudi Arabia. This role plays a critical part in ensuring operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and the highest level of service delivery to our clients in the mining and exploration industry.

As the Minerals Operations Manager, you’ll oversee laboratory production, safety, quality assurance, team leadership, and client service. You will also play a key role in strategic planning, P&L management, and business development, ensuring high-quality and timely results while driving operational efficiency and commercial performance.

The day to day

• Develop, implement, and monitor safety procedures in collaboration with ALS Health & Safety teams to ensure a safe work environment.
• Conduct daily operational meetings to align on job priorities and client deliverables.
• Review and optimise laboratory operations to enhance productivity, turnaround time, and client satisfaction.
• Supervise analysts and oversee job scheduling, task completion, and adherence to priorities set by the General Manager.
• Monitor and maintain systems for tracking equipment usage, consumables, and job progress.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality standards and maintain accurate records of all jobs and data.
• Collaborate with the Laboratory Manager on staff training, technical development, and resource allocation.
• Lead internal audits and troubleshooting and implement continuous improvements in method development and laboratory practices.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to staff, fostering a high-performance culture with a focus on safety, accuracy, and customer service.
• Liaise with external vendors and internal stakeholders to maintain equipment, IT systems, consumables, and facilities.
• Support administrative functions including leave scheduling, staff rosters, performance reviews, and petty cash management.

What We’re Looking For:

• Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in a senior laboratory management role (e.g. Laboratory Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager) within a minerals testing environment.
• Strong technical expertise in geochemical laboratory instruments and methods including ICP-AES, XRF, Auto fluxing, TGA, Carbon Analyzers, and Fire Assay.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage operations, and deliver on KPIs.
• Excellent knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and internal audit procedures.
• Experience in Profit & Loss (P&L) management within the lab operation.
• Experience identifying and pursuing new business opportunities while supporting sales and marketing initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in laboratory set-up, method development, and process improvement initiatives.

Working at ALS

Our people drive our success at ALS.

We are a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world. We reward excellence and uphold our values in our work and how we treat each other.

At ALS, you’ll be supported to expand your skills and develop new ones so you can reach your full potential. We invest in our people with a range of programs and provide opportunities across the company, giving our people scope to grow diverse careers and develop as leaders.

We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and the communities where we work.

About ALS

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, providing comprehensive testing solutions to clients in more than 60 countries across a wide range of industries, including environment, food and beverage, mining, personal care, pharmaceutical, healthcare and equipment reliability. Using state-of-the-art technologies and innovative methodologies, our dedicated international teams deliver the highest-quality testing services and personalised solutions supported by local expertise. We help our clients leverage the power of data-driven insights for a safer and healthier world.

Everyone matters

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.