Section Manager - Fire Assay

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

Job summary

A leading testing and inspection firm in Orkney is seeking an experienced manager for their Geochem Fire Assay department. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, ensuring compliance with ISO17025, and liaising with clients. The ideal candidate possesses a BSC in Chemistry, at least 10 years in a commercial lab, and strong management skills. This role emphasizes adherence to quality and safety standards while enhancing operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Strong knowledge of SLIM is essential.
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Geochem Fire Assay department planning and operations.
• Maintain stock levels and manage budget constraints.
• Coordinate Method Development and Validation.

Skills

Management skills

Client liaison

Analytical techniques

Statistical evaluation

MS Office Suite

Education

BSC Chemistry or ND Analytical Chemistry

Mathematics background

Tools

LIMS system

ISO17025 requirements

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 89,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

• Responsible for the day to day management, planning, coordination and operation of the Geochem Fire Assay department and sample Preparation.
• Responsible for planning, reviewing and monitoring of capital, revenue and expense budgeting.
• Maintain appropriate shift structures and shift rosters in order to address workload and throughput as per sectional capacity targets and client commitments.
• Maintain, monitor, procure and manage appropriate stock levels within budgetary constraints and workload requirements.
• Responsible for sample routing, formulating changes, improving work flow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
• Coordinate Method Development and Method Validation.
• Responsible for effective and appropriate use of equipment and facilities including breakdowns, maintenance, repairs and servicing according to internal schedules.
• Responsible for development, effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department, including training, recruitment and disciplinary issues.
• Plan a production schedule for the jobs/projects in accordance with lab capability and client requirements.
• Implement and control the production schedule.
• Review and adjust the schedule where needed.
• Keeping abreast of new trends and current development in Analytical Science.
• Attending client meetings, liaising with clients when required.
• Assisting with results evaluation and validation.
• Ensuring that bowl weights are reported on a weekly basis to the Quality Manager by Sample prep supervisor.
• Determine, manage and drive initiatives in order to implement and monitor accreditation requirements as per SGS and ISO17025 requirements.
• Responsible for Health and Safety within the Geochem Fire Assay and sample prep departments.
• Ensuring that company policies are adhered to by all staff and communicating any changes of policies to the staff.
• Complying and conforming to the QHSE policy of the company.
• Must be fully acquainted with the LIMS system.
• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS).
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Direct communication with clients daily on:
  • Status updates on new and existing projects
  • Re-negotiating timescales or schedules as necessary
  • Requests for information about services offered
  • RFQ’s and follow up on acceptance
  • Prepare and maintain production reports
  • Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum BSC Chemistry or ND Analytical Chemistry
• Mathematics background would be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Experience in client liaison and customer relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of SLIM.
• Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage.
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements.

Competencies

• Good co- ordination and proven management skills.
• Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications.
• Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous.
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.