Section Manager - Fire Assay

SGS; Orkney; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global testing, inspection, and certification company is seeking a department manager for their Geochem Fire Assay team. The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, manage staffing, and ensure adherence to health and safety regulations while driving initiatives to meet ISO17025 accreditation. Ideal candidates will hold a BSc in Chemistry and have over 10 years of experience in a commercial lab setting.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Experience in client liaison and customer relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of SLIM.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Geochem Fire Assay department.
• Coordinate method development and validation.
• Prepare and maintain production reports.

Skills

Management

Coordination

Analytical skills

Education

BSc in Chemistry

ND in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

MS Office Suite

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 capital, revenue, and expense budgets.
• Maintain appropriate shift structures and rosters to address workload and throughput as per sectional capacity targets and client commitments.
• Manage stock levels within budgetary constraints and workload requirements.
• Oversee sample routing, workflow improvements, and resource utilization.
• Coordinate method development and validation.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Supervise human resources, including training, recruitment, and discipline.
• Plan and implement production schedules aligned with lab capabilities and client needs.
• Stay updated on trends in Analytical Science.
• Attend client meetings and liaise with clients as needed.
• Assist with results evaluation and validation.
• Report bowl weights weekly to the Quality Manager.
• Drive initiatives to meet SGS and ISO17025 accreditation requirements.
• Ensure health and safety within the departments.
• Adhere to company policies and communicate changes to staff.
• Comply with QHSE policies and SGS management systems.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the line manager.
• Communicate daily with clients regarding project status, schedules, and service inquiries.

• Prepare and maintain production reports.
• Monitor staff performance and implement improvements.

Qualifications

Education

• BSc in Chemistry or ND in Analytical Chemistry.
• Mathematics background is an advantage.

Experience

• At least 10 years in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Experience in client liaison and customer relationship management.
• Strong knowledge of SLIM.
• Analytical and technical laboratory experience is advantageous.
• Good understanding of ISO17025 requirements.

Competencies

• Strong management and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of statistical evaluation techniques is advantageous.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and able to prioritize activities.
• Effective coordination skills across departments and staff levels.