Sample Preparation Supervisor

SAUDI ARABIAN RESOURCES COMPANY; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

SAUDI ARABIAN RESOURCES COMPANY is seeking an experienced supervisor to oversee sample preparation workflows in our mining laboratory in Riyadh. You will manage crushing, milling, and splitting of dore and core samples to meet assay lab deadlines and maintain quality.

The role requires hands-on experience with ISO 17025, chain-of-custody, and safety protocols, plus the ability to lead shift teams and coordinate maintenance to minimize downtime. Fluent English for technical reporting is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience in sample preparation within mining or refining laboratory.
• Proven track record supervising shift-based technical teams.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements for laboratory competence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily intake crushing, milling, and splitting of samples to ensure timely delivery to the assay lab.
• Enforce ISO 17025: duplicate checks and equipment calibration verifications.
• Enforce safety protocols including Permit-to-Work and Lockout/Tagout during operation and maintenance.
• Coordinate preventive servicing with maintenance team to minimize downtime.
• Maintain chain-of-custody records for high-value samples entering the facility.
• Develop and deliver technical training for technicians; conduct quarterly competency assessments.
• Monitor stock levels of grinding media and consumables; place requisitions to prevent delays.
• Generate daily production reports detailing sample volumes, equipment status and safety observations.

Skills

Shift supervision

Quality management

ISO 17025 knowledge

English proficiency

Jaw crushers

Pulverizers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or related

Tools

Jaw crushers

Ring mills

Pulverizers

LIMS

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Sample Workflow Oversight The role manages the daily intake crushing milling and splitting of dore and core samples to ensure timely delivery to the assay lab This involves monitoring throughput rates and adjusting shift resources to meet turnaround time targets

Quality Assurance Compliance This position enforces ISO 17025 standards by conducting regular duplicate checks and equipment calibration verifications The supervisor investigates any quality deviations and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence

Safety Protocol Enforcement The supervisor ensures all team members adhere to Permit-to-Work and Lockout Tagout procedures during equipment operation and maintenance Regular safety drills and inspections are conducted to maintain a zero-harm workplace

Equipment Maintenance Coordination This role coordinates with the maintenance team to schedule preventive servicing for crushers and mills It also tracks spare parts inventory to minimize downtime caused by mechanical failures

Chain of Custody Management The position maintains rigorous chain-of-custody records for all high-value precious metal samples entering the facility Any discrepancies in weight or labeling are reported immediately to the Lab Manager and Security Team

Training and Development The supervisor develops and delivers technical training programs for new and existing sample preparation technicians Competency assessments are conducted quarterly to ensure staff proficiency in standard operating procedures

Inventory and Consumables Control This role monitors stock levels of grinding media crucibles and other consumables required for daily operations Requisition orders are placed in advance to prevent operational delays due to material shortages

Reporting and Documentation The supervisor generates daily production reports detailing sample volumes equipment status and safety observations These reports are submitted to the Lab Manager to support broader operational decision-making

Success Metrics

• 98 adherence to ISO 17025 sample preparation standards during internal and external audits
• 10 reduction in average sample preparation turnaround time within the first year
• Zero recordable safety incidents or environmental spills in the preparation area
• 100 accuracy in chain-of-custody documentation with no loss or misidentification of samples
• 15 decrease in unplanned equipment downtime through effective preventive maintenance coordination
• Successful certification of three new technicians on all standard operating procedures
• Positive feedback from the Assay Lab regarding the consistency and quality of prepared pulps

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of hands‑on experience in sample preparation within a mining or refining laboratory.
• Proven track record of supervising shift‑based technical teams in an industrial setting.
• In‑depth knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements for laboratory competence and quality management.
• Technical proficiency in operating and maintaining jaw crushers, ring mills, and pulverizers.
• Strong understanding of chain‑of‑custody principles for precious metals and hazardous materials.
• Excellent command of English for technical documentation and reporting.
• Legal authorization to work in Saudi Arabia and residency in Riyadh or willingness to relocate.

Preferred / Nice‑to‑have

• Previous experience in a LBMA‑accredited gold refinery or similar precious metals facility.
• Certification in occupational health and safety such as NEBOSH or OSHA.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for digital sample tracking.
• Knowledge of fire assay processes and their dependency on high‑quality sample preparation.