Laboratory Operations Lead: Quality, Compliance & Growth

Farm Manager SA; Grabouw; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager in the Western Cape region to oversee the daily operations of the laboratory and ensure adherence to SANAS accreditation standards. The role focuses on quality management, customer liaison, and business development within the fruit sector.

You will lead the lab team, manage budgets, implement ISO17025 guidelines, and drive process improvements, including training staff and developing new testing methods to meet client requirements.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary diploma or degree
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience in fruit quality management
• In-depth knowledge of SANAS accreditation and IAF/ILAC guidelines

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the laboratory
• Overall responsibility for actions when nonconforming work occurs
• Authorize resumption of work after nonconforming results
• Manage human resources including personnel contracts and salaries
• Responsible for business development and identifying new markets
• Develop and implement marketing strategies
• Plan and manage the laboratory budget
• Liaise with customers and address queries/complaints
• Implement ISO17025 and related guidelines
• Oversee stock control and procurement
• Troubleshoot equipment and techniques in the lab
• Ensure turnaround times are met
• Develop new methods to meet customer requirements
• Manage master validation plans and method validation procedures
• Ensure staff training and training schedules
• Maintain good housekeeping and health & safety systems
• Ensure audit trails and service agreements with customers
• Conduct literature searches for new methods

Skills

Leadership

Managing Projects

Managing Budgets

Managing Conflicting priorities

Creative problem solving

Skills development

Education

Relevant tertiary degree

Job description

Farm Manager SA is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager in the Western Cape region to oversee the daily operations of the laboratory and ensure adherence to SANAS accreditation standards. The role focuses on quality management, customer liaison, and business development within the fruit sector.

You will lead the lab team, manage budgets, implement ISO17025 guidelines, and drive process improvements, including training staff and developing new testing methods to meet client requirements.