Bench Lead Prelab

Ampath Laboratories; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory service provider in Centurion is looking for a Bench Lead to oversee the initial processes in their laboratory. This key role entails ensuring accurate specimen handling while fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. Candidates must possess a Lab Assistant qualification, HPCSA registration, and at least two years of experience in a pathology lab. Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team are essential. This role supports a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in a pathology laboratory.
• Experience in specimen administration and data handling.
• Ability to guide, mentor, and inspire team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the pre-analytical processes of the laboratory.
• Coordinate daily activities and support your team.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Build a positive and high-performing team culture.

Skills

Laboratory practices understanding

Safety protocols knowledge

Clear communication in English

Organizational skills

Numerical reasoning

Excel proficiency

Outlook proficiency

Leadership potential

Education

Lab Assistant qualification

HPCSA registration as Laboratory Assistant

Job description

As the Bench Lead in our Pre-analytical section, you are entrusted with overseeing the heartbeat of our laboratory’s initial processes. This role is about more than coordination – it is about creating a space where precision, efficiency, and teamwork thrive. You ensure that specimens are accurately collected, labelled, and distributed, while maintaining a steady workflow that supports timely diagnostics. You are a key contributor to our high‑performance culture, helping to shape a work environment where excellence is the standard and people are empowered to succeed.

Job Requirements

Role Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you need a relevant Lab Assistant qualification and registration with the HPCSA as a Laboratory Assistant. These credentials affirm your readiness to operate within a regulated, quality‑driven environment and support the technical demands of the position. You bring at least two years of experience in a pathology laboratory, where you have honed your skills in specimen administration and data handling using a laboratory information system. While formal management experience is not required, your ability to guide, mentor, and inspire others is essential. This role is ideal for someone with strong leadership potential who is ready to take the next step in their career and contribute meaningfully to team development and operational excellence.

Skills Requirements

Success in this role calls for a well‑rounded skill set. You have a solid understanding of laboratory practices and safety protocols, along with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English. Your organisational skills help you manage tasks and resources efficiently, while your numerical reasoning supports accurate data handling. You are comfortable using tools like Excel and Outlook, and you understand how to motivate and support team members to achieve shared goals. Your problem‑solving mindset and collaborative spirit make you a natural fit for a leadership role in a dynamic lab environment.

Role Impact

In this role, your leadership directly influences the quality and efficiency of our pre‑analytical processes. You coordinate daily activities, guide your team through challenges, and ensure that every specimen is handled with care and accuracy. You are instrumental in identifying opportunities for improvement and working closely with the Team Lead to implement solutions that elevate service delivery. Your mentorship helps build a team that is engaged, capable, and aligned with our strategic goals. By fostering a positive and high‑performing culture, you help create an environment where people grow, processes improve, and excellence is achieved – every day.

Employment Equity and Diversity

At Ampath, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. In line with our Employment Equity goals, we actively encourage applications from individuals across all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence in healthcare, and we are proud to create a space where everyone can thrive.

Hours of Work

40 hours per week

Work week

5 days

Location

Centurion

Closing Date

13 January 2026 at 21:00