Laboratory Manager

Primary Responsibilities

To manage the SGS Site laboratory in Kitwe in compliance with SGS ZM Quality Management System, the requirements of ISO/IEC17025 standard and the SGS Global vision.

Specific Responsibilities

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• To plan and execute the activities of the laboratory in compliance with the quality requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, the needs of the clients, regulatory authorities and other interested parties.
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• To satisfy the client and achieve a sustainable growth and stability of the laboratory
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• Updating himself with the daily company activities and challenges, latest technology on the market and submit continual improvement proposals to management
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• To design, review and format documents, contracts, subcontractors and to carry out supplier evaluation and selection to ensure compliance with SGS Code of integrity and professional conduct and its global vision.
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• Review the capability of the existing facilities, technical and manpower requirements and formulate goals with respect to education, training and skills of personnel
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• To provide technical supervision in the operation and efficient use of equipment, instruments and materials for handling, preparation, transfer and storage of items to be tested and/or calibrated
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• Responsible for providing month end inventory figures to finance department
• Laboratory reviews.
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• Validation of reports before they are sent off to client.
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• Technical signatory for test reports.
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• Responsible for method development/validation in conjunction with Quality Control Coordinator.
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• To initiate reorders/replacement of stocks and equipment.
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• To communicate to client real-time updates and follow-ups on all matters related to their orders, to investigate complaints and report timely to the client
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• To communicate to the accreditation body on further methods accreditation requirements.
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• Co-ordinates the participation in inter-laboratory and international proficiency testing and implements corrective and preventive actions for the results found out of pre-defined criteria
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• To review the annual performance of the laboratory, appraise the performance of the staff and recommend employee performance-based award
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• To review all contracts for the service providers and employees and communicate management decision on the renewal or cancellation of contracts.
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• To ensure the availability of the SLIMS programs for data management.
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•  To delegate tasks to the appointee but retains accountability for the outcome

• Degree in Chemistry, Natural Sciences or any other related discipline.
• Ten (10) years relevant technical experience.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 standards

Authority:

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• To determine and submit the laboratory budget to senior management
• To decide on the appropriate analytical techniques to meet customer's needs.
• To review the business and submit improvement proposals to senior Management.
• To verify, approve and authorise analytical reports for submission to the client and implement corrective and preventive actions wherever required.
• To approve programs-QHSE training/maintenance/internal audits/other.
• To remove faulty equipment/instrument and unfit employee from the laboratory.
• To dispose samples and redundant materials as prescribed in the procedures and regulations.

Skills:

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• Clear understanding of the role of the laboratory manager.
• Working knowledge of the sample preparation and analytical procedures and professional standards normally applied to analytical services industry.
• Knowledge of the industry safety, health and environmental management standards.
• Good working knowledge of the quality control protocols.
• Familiar with computer programs such as MS Applications and SLIMS.
• Possess administrative/supervisory/management skills.
• Good communication skills.