Supervisor-Fire Assay

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS is seeking a Senior Laboratory Supervisor for our Fire Assay operations in South Africa. You will supervise routine analytical techniques and coordinate job progress across sections, ensuring strict adherence to quality and safety standards.

You will lead the FAS floor activities, train new staff on Fire Assay processes, and drive efficient use of resources while maintaining ISO17025/SANAS compliance. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or fire assay certificate.
• Minimum 5 years in the relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System (ISO17025/SANAS).
• Supervisory qualification will be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Supervise routine analytical techniques related to Fire Assay procedures.
• Coordinate progress of jobs and results between sections and departments.
• Oversee the FAS floor activities: weighing, fluxing, fusion, cupelling, digestion or parting.
• Ensure punctuality and proper handovers during shifts (day/night/weekend).
• Optimize use of staff, equipment and facilities within the department.
• Communicate with team leaders to meet turnaround time and quality targets.
• Investigate irregularities/non-conformances and assist with Improvement Requests.

Skills

Fire assay techniques

Laboratory supervision

Quality control

LIMS systems

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Overtime flexibility

Education

BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Fire assay certificate of competence

Supervisory qualification

Tools

LIMS software

Job 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 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise routine analytical techniques related to the established Fire Assay procedures. Assist with the coordination of progress of jobs and results between sections and other departments relating to fire assay work and results.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the FAS floor (weighing, fluxing, fusion, cupelling and dissolution of prills using either digestion or parting process) exactly to the relevant Competence Modules set (Weighing in Geochem Fire Assay, Fluxing in Geochem Fire Assay, Fusion, Cupellation, Digestion of Ag and Pd prills)
• Punctuality at all times (15 min earlier to start time or 15 min later from knock off time depending on handover).
• Ensure proper handover during shift change ensuring team leaders are following the proper hand over process (day, night & weekend shifts).
• Assist in the effective and optimal utilization of staff, equipment and facilities within the department.
• Liaise with the Team leaders/operators to ensure customer requirements are achieved with regard to the turnaround time commitments and Quality of results
• Report daily production figures to Section Manager, and also reasonable explanations and evidence for targets.
• Institute the necessary company corrective measures against subordinates for actions that are contrary to company rules & procedures by reporting to Section Manager.
• Assist in the investigation of any irregularities/non conformances within the Fire Assay process including the Improvement Requests and Client’s.
• Follow Section Manager’s clear detailed instructions and demonstrate flexibility in executing the duties.
• Drive good housekeeping practices to ensure that the work areas and surrounding environment is kept clean at all times.
• Comply and conform to the QHSE policy of the company.
• Must have full understanding of the LIMS system.
• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS requirements).
• Assist with the training of new Laboratory employees on the application of the Fire Assay techniques, processes, procedures and work instructions.
• Profiling and batching of jobs scheduled for (day, night & weekend shifts)
• Must be willing to work overtime/flexible hours when necessary.
• Overtime submission sheets must be properly checked (Name, employee number, correct hours claimed) before handing in to HOD for approval.
• Assist in the completion of Production reports.
• Assist in the evaluating and reporting of analytical results where required.
• Standing in for other Senior staff during his/her absence (meetings, trainings, sick leave & annual leave)
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Qualifications

Education

• BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or Fire assay certificate of competence
• Supervisory qualification will be added advantage

Experience

• Minimum of 5 Years in the relevant discipline

Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System

Additional Information

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Self-motivator
• Competent technical knowledge of Fire Assay analytical processes
• Able to work with technical and management staff
• Able to coordinate fire assay activities
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Assists with trouble shooting and problem solving
• Can fluently communicate English.
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Outstanding Attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and handle several issues simultaneously
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude when dealing with escalated issues.