Senior Analytical Operations Leader (LC/GC, Validation)

SGS; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS in Cape Town is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee technical control, analytical integrity and method validation for assigned functions within HKAL. The role ensures testing is performed to validated methods, ISO/IEC 17025 and SANAS expectations, SGS quality systems and customer requirements.

You will lead method development and validation, mentor analysts, manage instrumentation (LC/GC, MS), and drive quality systems, audits and client support.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years’ relevant laboratory experience, preferably in pesticide residue analysis or related analytical chemistry.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience supervising analysts or leading technical workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical leadership for assigned analytical functions, ensuring tests follow approved methods and accreditation scope.
• Develop and validate new methods, keeping records and technical reports up to date.
• Mentor analysts toward technical signatory status and maintain competence matrices.

Skills

Analytical judgement

Mentorship

Technical leadership

Quality mindset

Education

BSc, BTech, MSc or equivalent in Chemistry/Analytical Science

ISO/IEC 17025, method validation training

Code 8 driver’s licence

Tools

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

Job description

SGS in Cape Town is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee technical control, analytical integrity and method validation for assigned functions within HKAL. The role ensures testing is performed to validated methods, ISO/IEC 17025 and SANAS expectations, SGS quality systems and customer requirements.

You will lead method development and validation, mentor analysts, manage instrumentation (LC/GC, MS), and drive quality systems, audits and client support.