Laboratory Manager - Petroleum Testing

SGS Australia; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading testing, inspection, and certification firm in Saudi Arabia seeks an experienced laboratory manager. You will oversee laboratory activities, ensure compliance with industry standards, and lead a team of technicians and analysts. Ideal candidates will have 8-10 years of experience in laboratory settings, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory role, preferably in petroleum or chemical testing. A degree in chemistry or a related field is required, along with proficiency in relevant laboratory tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of laboratory experience, including at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Experience in petroleum, hydrocarbon, or chemical testing laboratories is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with LIMS and general laboratory software.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily laboratory activities including sample receipt, preparation, testing, and reporting.
• Ensure efficient workflows and effective utilization of laboratory resources.
• Oversee analysis of crude oil, refined products, lubricants, and other hydrocarbon samples.

Skills

Laboratory management

Analytical problem-solving

Team leadership

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry or related discipline

Tools

LIMS

GC

HPLC

XRF

FTIR

Karl Fischer

Job description

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Job Description

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise daily laboratory activities including sample receipt, preparation, testing, and reporting.
• Ensure efficient workflows, optimal turnaround times (TAT), and effective utilization of laboratory resources.
• Maintain laboratory infrastructure, cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness at all times.
• Oversee analysis of crude oil, refined products, natural gas, lubricants, petrochemicals, and other hydrocarbon samples.
• Ensure strict compliance with industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, IP, API , and other regulatory requirements.
• Review and validate analytical results and approve final test reports prior to client release.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical issues and provide technical support to laboratory staff.
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and performance verification of laboratory instruments such as : GC, HPLC, XRF, FTIR, Karl Fischer , flash point testers, distillation equipment, and other analytical tools.
• Prepare and manage laboratory budgets including consumables, equipment upgrades, and staffing.
• Lead, train, and mentor laboratory technicians, chemists, and analysts.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop staff training and competency plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry , Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering , or related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of laboratory experience , including at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role .
• Experience in petroleum, hydrocarbon, or chemical testing laboratories is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with LIMS and general laboratory software.
• Familiarity with HSE protocols and risk assessments.