Section Manager: Client Liaison, Admin and Logistics

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

Job summary

A leading testing, inspection, and certification company in Gauteng is seeking a professional to manage laboratory operations, client relations, and quality systems. The ideal candidate must have at least 5 years of experience in an analytical laboratory and a degree in Analytical Chemistry. Strong client service skills and a financial background are advantageous. This role includes overseeing staff training and ensuring compliance with QESH systems.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the frontline services of the laboratory.
• Overseeing client liaison function and communication.
• Manage compliance and maintenance of QESH systems.

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Qualification in Business Administration

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the frontline services of the analytical laboratory, client liaison, logistics and financial administration.
• Overseeing the client liaison function in line with internal guidelines and client needs.
• Leading in effective communication with clients.
• Interpreting, understanding, and issuing of the client’s quotes.
• Quotes acceptance follow-up.
• Responding to client queries/enquiries within a reasonable time.
• Drive the division’s activities by making timely technical decisions to achieve client objectives.
• Intermediate and post-campaign follow-up on the services rendered.
• Coordinate and consolidate incoming projects.
• Communicate with the Operations Manager on incoming projects.
• Develop and implement internal framework, processes, and procedures for 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 application of principles for cost/price determination.
• In conjunction with the Production Planning Manager, assess and analyze project financial viability.
• Assist the Contract Review Manager with annual price increase systems, 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 of all QESH systems in the division.
• Accountable for the staff complement in the section; assist with staff challenges, motivate staff, assess training needs, 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 the 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