Laboratory Quality Manager

Introduction
This position will be based at Gambserg Quality Laboratory Services (QLS), in Aggeneys, Northern Cape.

Description
The main purpose of this position is to effectively manage the Laboratory through the optimal utilisation of all internal and external resources and systems to ensure the continuation of our long-term contract with our client.

Qualification Requirements

• A three-year Degree or Diploma in Analytical/Industrial Chemistry or Relevant qualification.
• Management related qualification would be advantageous
  

Experience and Skills Requirements

• Between 8-10 years’ supervisory experience in an analytical laboratory is required, together with experience in chemical analysis and operation of a manual and robotic automated laboratory.
• Knowledge and experience in sample preparation/techniques and Laboratory systems
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory Instrumentation (ICP-OES, XRF, Leco, potentiometric titrators etc.) and other mineral assays as required
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods
• Experience in LIMS
• Valid driver’s licence code B, EB or C1
• Knowledge and experience in ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Quality Laboratory Services Health and Safety responsibilities, legal and operational requirements.
• Identify hazards and risk while performing daily tasks and take preventative measures.
• Ensure that all laboratory expenditure is in line with the approved budget.
• Comply with provided systems, practices, methods, standards, and procedures of the job.
• Ensure that adequate Policies are in place in terms of SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality)
• Ensure that all personnel are medically fit and receives regular induction
• Ensure that all employees abide by procedures, rules and regulation through proper monitoring processes
• Set goals and objectives to meet the policy standards
• Ensure that policies are communicated and understood by all employees
• Ensure that the Vision and the Mission of the Laboratory is set up to embrace the policy and goals and objectives of the plant
• Conduct visual inspections of the work area to ensure workplace safety and good housekeeping.
• Prioritise and plan the work to be conducted in relation to the resources available.

• Setup a Quality Management System (QMS)
• Manage the Laboratory to ensure compliance to international ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Ensure that the Laboratory is accredited for the methods as specified by the customer (when applicable)
• Maintain the accreditation status by implementing effective management systems as prescribed in the relevant standards, company policies, laboratory policies and Quality manual (when applicable)
• Perform a yearly Management review on the QMS and report to the Business Unit Manager.
• Evaluate the Quality systems on a daily basis
• Produce monthly reports on QMS system and report to the Business Unit Manager.
• Perform investigations on all irregularities as communicated by the Client or internal audits and findings
• Follow the correct analytical procedures when preparing and reporting on samples: drying, screening, splitting, crushing, pulverising, weighing, moisture determination, fluxing, analysing of samples, and reporting of results.
• Ensure that balances that are used in the lab are verified using certified mass pieces.
• Ensure equipment is inspected and records are available on the checklist prior to the use of any piece of equipment.
• Report all equipment and electrical faults to the Business Unit Manager and act to always have all equipment fully operational.
• Apply and use Quality Control Standards accurately as specified and work closely with the QC Manager to ensure the correctness of the analysis.
• Identify and report irregularities in the overall results, suggest corrective actions to be taken and implement corrective actions upon approval by the Business Unit Manager
• Ensure all Records for samples received is on the sample receiving docket and ensure that the ID on the sample and the docket corresponds and acceptance thereof is signed
• Report receipt of samples to the Business Unit Manager with daily reports.
• Ensure weekly stock taking on critical consumables in the lab is done.
• Conduct ad hoc activities or duties as requested by the Business Unit Manager.
• Constant communication with the Business Unit Manger in his absence to assist with monitoring of laboratory activities / production status.
• Assist with instrument analysis to aid in own development.
• Oversee that the necessary test work is conducted in the lab and communicate results to the client and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to client quality requirements by monitoring laboratory feedback and ensuring the implementation of corrective measures.
• Effectively managing time and resources of self / others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Assist with training of new employees in the Laboratory, i.e. on-the-job training.
• Perform and ensure planned task observations for competency certification.
• Ensure that all contractors conform to the QLS standard
• SANAS Nominated representative
• Work towards a Technical Signature