Section Manager: Client Liaison, Admin and Logistics

SGS; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading testing and certification company in South Africa is seeking an experienced professional to lead frontline services in their analytical laboratory. Responsibilities include managing client relations, overseeing financial administration, and ensuring compliance with operational standards. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Analytical Chemistry, have at least 5 years of experience in an analytical laboratory, and possess strong leadership skills. This role emphasizes the importance of effective communication and staff training.

Qualifications

• Proven years of laboratory knowledge, skills, and experience to be recognized as a qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years’ senior technical experience in an analytical laboratory.
• Strong Client Services background.

Responsibilities

• Plan and control frontline services of the analytical laboratory.
• Ensure effective communication with clients.
• Manage procurement and transportation functions.
• Motivate staff and promote competence.

Skills

Leadership

Client liaison

Financial administration

Analytical chemistry

Communication

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Qualification in Business Administration

Job description

Company Description

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and interconnected world.

Job Description

• Planning, organizing, lead, and control the frontline services of the analytical laboratory, Client liaison, Logistics and Financial administration.
• Overseeing the client liaison function in line with:
• Leading in effective communication with clients.
• Correct interpretation, understanding and issuing of the client’s quotes.
• Quotes acceptance follow up.
• Effective attendance to client’s queries/enquiries within reasonable time.
• Drive the divisions activities, by making timely technical decisions with regards to reaching the clients objectives.
• Intermediate and post campaign follow up on the services rendered.
• Coordination and consolidation of incoming projects.
• Communication with the Operations Manager on incoming projects.
• Develop and implement internal framework, processes, and procedures for the effective performance, thereby ensuring control of costs, income, quality, and productivity.
• Accountable for correct reporting, invoicing, and quotations. Ensure all functions are correct and on time.
• Generate and provide data for management. (Financial stats, sample volumes, clientele database).
• Assist management with respect to costing/pricing of activities, including the application of principles applicable to the determination of factors to be used for cost/price determination.
• In conjunction with the Production Planning Manager make an assessment and analysis of project financial viability.
• Assist the Contract Review Manager with annual price increase systems, thereby ensuring prompt communication and consistent application.
• Oversee the control, handling, and administration of age analysis.
• Oversee the procurement function rendered in the division.
• Oversee the control and handling of transportation.
• Manage compliance and maintenance to all QESH system in the division.
• Accountable for the staff complement in the section. Assist with staff challenges, motivate staff, assess training needs, and ensure they are addressed, promote competence, and manage staff performance.
• Ensure all staff are trained and multi skilled throughout the section.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Qualifications

Education

• Degree or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and/or proven years of laboratory, knowledge, skills and experience sufficient to be recognized as a qualification through – Recognition of Prior Learning
• Qualification in Business Administration will be an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ senior technical experience in an analytical laboratory environment.
• Minimum of 5 years’ Client Services background
• Financial background will be an advantage