Technical Supervisor

**Technical Oversight**:

- Supervise and coordinate all technical activities within the laboratory, including sample preparation, testing, data analysis, and result reporting and approval.
- Ensure that testing procedures and methodologies comply with SANAS accreditation standards and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to laboratory staff to resolve complex testing issues.

**Quality Management**:

- Support implementation and maintenance of the robust quality management system in line with SANAS accreditation standards (ISO/IEC 17025).
- Monitor and enforce adherence to quality control procedures, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Collaborate to conduct internal audits, address non-conformities, and implement corrective actions.
- Technical oversight and guidance on method validation and method verification.

**Team Management**:

- Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of technicians.
- Provide training, guidance, and professional development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of laboratory staff.

**Instrumentation and Equipment**:

- Support the troubleshooting of all methods, instrumentation, and non-routine matrices.
- Improve technical efficiencies with methods, planning execution of the work in progress requirements.
- Support for repairs, upgrades, and procurement of new equipment/ other as needed. Provide technical input to the improvement and updates to LIMS functionalities.

**Data Analysis and Reporting**:

- Review, approve and analyse test data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with specified standards and methods.
- Prepare accurate and detailed test approval and correlations.
- Verify and validate analytical results before finalizing reports for distribution.

**Client Interaction**:

- Act as a technical point of contact for clients, addressing technical inquiries and providing expert guidance on testing methodologies and results interpretation.
- Collaborate with clients to understand their specific testing requirements and ensure that testing protocols meet their needs.

**Regulatory Compliance**:

- Stay current with environmental regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
- Ensure that testing procedures and protocols align with relevant environmental regulations and guidelines

**Continuous Improvement**:

- Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency enhancements, and cost-saving measures.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality and efficiency of testing processes.
- Stock control management and procurement of consumables and implementing cost effective solutions.

**Leadership and Collaboration**:

- Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and guidance to laboratory staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to improve overall laboratory operations and efficiency.

**Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s/ Masters/ >10 years relevant experience in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
- Extensive knowledge of environmental testing methodologies and techniques.
- Strong understanding of SANAS accreditation standards (ISO/IEC 17025) and quality management principles.
- Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role within an accredited laboratory. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team and effectively manage personnel.
- Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis software.

**Job Type**: Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Bachelors (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Environmental Science, chemistry, biology: 10 years (preferred)