Team Leader

SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure samples are prepared, processed and analyzed according to established methods and procedures in support of quality and management systems.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel Management – Analysts, Lab Technicians / Assistants, Interns

• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies
• In-service training in order to develop and optimize staff skills
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings of staff
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager

Performing tests

• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparation/supervising preparation of samples for analysis
• Performing routine tests on samples according to standard methods and procedures.
• Assist in sections when and if so communicated; completing tasks and analysis you have been declared competent for – duties with regards to accredited analysis must receive priority over non-accredited work.
• Operate instruments according to specified procedures.
• Maintain records indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures.
• Ensure good laboratory practices are followed.
• Adhere to competency training program
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Plan activities according to the sample volume and quantities received.
• Ensure customer service requirements for testing/analysis are met.
• Monitor and control stock levels of required chemicals and consumables.
• Adhere to sample turn-around timeframes.

Quality system

• Performing tests on all quality control samples according to standard methods and procedures.
• Accurately record results on QC charts
• Evaluate results and report any deviations from quality control norms immediately
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results

Reporting results, opinions and interpretations

• Documenting of all relevant sample information.
• Report all results on SLIMS and / or designated worksheets
• Issue reports and add comments or suggestions when required.

Method modification and development

• Assess necessity for new method development.
• Assess shortcomings and deviations and perform actions to implement and improve existing methods and procedures.

Method Validation

• Ensure the execution and finalization of method validation and associated work as they arise.
• Train and oversee analyst and lab technician method validation.
• Ensure competence of subordinates are up to date.

Quality and Health & Safety system

• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Always wear the necessary protective clothing
• Adhere to all relevant safety procedures and protocols
• Awareness of the dangers of chemicals used through the study of MSDS
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy.
• Do not mess on any apparatus or instrument and if it should happen, clean up spills immediately before continuing.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas.
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.

Managerial duties

• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale.
• Supervise analysts, lab technicians, assistants & interns.
• Ensure subordinate's competencies are current.
• Plan workload of subordinates to ensure optimal use of equipment and that turn-around times are met.

Specific Authorities

• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Education

• Qualification in Chemistry or Food Technology
• BSc Honor's Chemistry or Master's with SACNASP registration an advantage
• Analytical Chemistry to support nutritional and chemical composition of matrices across the food value chains from inputs to waste
• Code 8 driver's license

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Analytical Chemistry to support nutritional and chemical composition of matrices across the food value chains from inputs to waste
• High throughput routinized analytical testing in an ISO 17025 accredited facility.

Competencies

• Must not be colour blind
• Systematic
• Thorough
• Attention to detail
• Accurate
• Teamwork

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.