Laboratory Manager

WHAT IS ON OFFER Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Manager to join the team in Steelpoort. This individual is responsible for the management of the day‑to‑day analytical services and implementation of AHK QNS for ISO / IEC Accreditation, and maintenance thereafter within Alfred H Knight Steelpoort Laboratory. To ensure that an efficient and high‑quality analytical service is provided, by maintaining the overall technical competency of the Laboratory facility. The role requires a pro‑active approach to problem‑solving; fundamentally, a role that supports the Group worldwide, in addressing client based technical queries and general analytical issues, whilst ensuring the impartiality and confidentiality of results. ABOUT US Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries. We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re‑invest in our facilities, technology and people. DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? To be successful at Alfred H Knight the incumbent will need to display the following: Operationally responsible for: Providing technical advice and support to the Group worldwide on client based queries relating to methods of analysis and specific client based analytical problems. Providing technical advice and support to the Steelpoort laboratory staff as required, on technical or related operational problems, leading and guiding in a 'trouble shooting' procedure to subordinates. Advising the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager of repetitive technical problems relating to day‑to‑day Laboratory Analytical Procedures or potential technical problems. Ensuring QC data is compiled and reviewed on a cyclic basis, and ensuring that quality standards are being maintained, and that the methods are current and validated, and reflect the procedures applied throughout the AHK Group. Maintaining record keeping within the Laboratory, such that work is clearly and easily auditable, and traceable within the guidelines of the SANAS ISO accreditation. Supporting the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager in organising and participating in client visits, laboratory tours and general client based technical discussions. Participating in disciplinary and grievance meetings in line with Company procedure and in consultation with the Human Resource department. Participating in the interview and recruitment process of personnel with prior approval from the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager and General Manager. Ensuring that the Company's induction procedure is followed for new employees, and that all documents relating to an employee's induction are kept up‑to‑date. Holding regular meetings with staff to ensure that the workforce is sufficiently motivated, skilled and properly trained to meet the operational needs of the business. Informing the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager of continual resourcing difficulties and/or operational problems. Ensuring that equipment is maintained in a working and calibrated state, organising maintenance as per equipment supplier recommendations. Supporting the development of personnel for specific technical roles overseas, and full cooperation with Group Quality and Technical initiatives and recommendations. Undertaking other duties of an appropriate nature in consultation with the Regional Commercial Laboratories Manager and General Manager. Maintaining a professional standard and appearance during office hours and while promoting the company when on company business. Ensuring the Company's Health & Safety policy is applied effectively in areas under the Post Holder's control. Allocating labour and material resources cost‑effectively to meet requirements following discussion with superior and subordinates. Ensuring availability and maintenance of equipment, materials and purity standards by regular examinations and compilation of reference materials records. Scrutinising all the results of analysis done in the laboratory for quality before reporting to the Admin Department and ensuring customer satisfaction. Resolving problems reported by subordinates through discussions and on the spot investigation and instructing accordingly. Ensuring visual examination of equipment and measuring instruments is performed for sources of unwanted contamination and malfunctions that affect accuracy by development of daily equipment checklists. Ensuring use of designated reference materials to conduct independent checks on instrument calibrations. Ensuring adequate stock levels for all chemical stores requisites and timely reordering for replacement. Assisting superiors with information required for long‑term planning and forecasting of analytical services. Evaluating recorded data regularly and reporting findings to superior for discussion and to plan improvements. Discussing problems and priorities for analytical investigation or development and compiling agreed Action Plans and schedules. Writing weekly and monthly laboratory performance reports covering safety, sample analyses, quality (QC performance, repeats and customer complaints), cost, people and equipment. Writing comprehensive reports in support of investigation projects including recommendations to enhance productivity or improve quality assurance. Instructing subordinates in planned lectures on the use of suitable practices and instruments. Demonstrating operation and optimisation of measurement principles and advising on permissible tolerances. Performing any requests for routine analytical work and assisting subordinates to complete tasks during emergencies. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE Excellent knowledge and understanding of ISO / IEC requirements and their implementation up to Accreditation level. Computer Literacy and LIMS. Good timekeeping and time management skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to effectively manage the day‑to‑day analytical laboratory operations. Ability to supervise, manage and train subordinates. 'Right first time' approach, completes work to a high standard, continually looking for improvements and strong problem‑solvers, high level of attention to detail is key within this role. Project management skills: Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time to successfully meet deadlines. Managing uncertainty: Handles pressure and ambiguity well, exercises good judgment and handles challenges in a mature manner. Technical skills on method development and validation. Decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Team player/interpersonal: Builds and maintains positive working relationships with the team and more widely. Able to work as part of a team as well as independently, leads by example. Strict adherence to Health and Safety procedures. Honest, adaptable and flexible. Thrives in an exciting, collaborative and global environment. Minimum 10 years' experience in an Analytical Laboratory with 5 years at Laboratory Management level. Experience and knowledge of PGMs and Chrome Analysis. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Grade 12 (with Maths & Science). Analytical Chemistry Diploma / Degree. REQUIRED LANGUAGES Fluent in English communication. BENEFITS We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match. Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community in line with our Employment Equity Plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr