Section Manager - Fire Assay

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 89,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

• • Responsible for the day to day management, planning, coordination and operation of the Geochem Fire Assay department and sample Preparation.
  • Responsible for planning, reviewing and monitoring of capital, revenue and expense budgeting.
  • Maintain appropriate shift structures and shift rosters in order to address workload and throughput as per sectional capacity targets and client commitments.
  • Maintain, monitor, procure and manage appropriate stock levels within budgetary constraints and workload requirements.
  • Responsible for sample routing, formulating changes, improving work flow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
  • Coordinate Method Development and Method Validation.
  • Responsible for effective and appropriate use of equipment and facilities including breakdowns, maintenance, repairs and servicing according to internal schedules.
  • Responsible for development, effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department, including training, recruitment and disciplinary issues.
  • Plan a production schedule for the jobs/projects in according with lab capability and client requirements.
  • Implement and control the production schedule
  • Review and adjust the schedule where needed
  • Keeping abreast of new trends and current development in Analytical Science.
  • Attending client meetings, liaising with clients when required.
  • Assisting with results evaluation and validation.
  • Ensuring that bowl weights are reported on a weekly basis to the Quality Manager by Sample prep supervisor.
  • Determine, manage and drive initiatives in order to implement and monitor accreditation requirements as per SGS and ISO17025 requirements.
  • Responsible for Health and Safety within the Geochem Fire Assay and sample prep departments.
  • Ensuring that company policies are adhered to by all staff and communicating any changes of these policies to the staff.
  • Complying and conforming to the QHSE policy of the company.
  • Must be fully acquainted with the LIMS system.
  • Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS).
  • Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
  • Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
  • Direct communication with clients daily on:

• • Status updates on new and existing projects
  • Re-negotiating timescales or schedules as necessary
  • Requests for information about services offered
  • RFQ’s and follow up on acceptance

• • Prepare and maintain production reports
  • Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets
     

Education

• Minimum BSC Chemistry or ND Analytical Chemistry
• Mathematics background would be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Experience in client liaison and customer relationship management
• Strong knowledge of SLIM
• Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements

Competencies

• Good co- ordination and proven management skills.
• Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications.
• Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.