Laboratory Manager

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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.