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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Laboratory Manager, Environmental has overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Kamoa Environmental Laboratory. Ensure continuous improvement and optimized utilization of all laboratory resources to ensure throughput and quality according to client requirements. Planning and developing of all operational requirements for the area of responsibility and to ensure the smooth running of the Environmental Laboratory. Ensure that the overall production, safety, regulatory and quality objectives for the Environmental facility under his / her control are achieved.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize all Laboratory resources to ensure the daily operational requirements at the SGS Kamoa Environmental Laboratory is met.
• Through the SGS documented quality system, ensure the required quality standards in the Environmental department are developed and maintained.
• Manage customer complaints through a systematic approach and ensure that resolution is achieved within the required timelines and communicated to the client.
• Consult with the clients regarding queries, concerns, and all relevant technical matters.
• Overall accountable for the provision and planning of resources as well as the technical requirements for all projects in the division.
• Responsible for the continuous improvement in the department to ensure that client and industry requirements are met.
• Accountable with Health & safety procedures and protocols and ensure that these are adopted, implemented in the department, and communicated effectively to all laboratory employees.
• Ensure continuous improvement in terms of market requirements through applicable method development and modification of existing services on demand and to continuously looking at broadening the company’s scope of accreditation.
• Responsible for effective cost control to ensure maximum benefit for the customer, without compromising the quality of the services and products.
• Operate to the highest standards of ethics, in accordance with the SGS Code of Integrity.
• Lead, coach, and develop the operating team in the laboratory.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Support the Quality Manager in all SADCAS matters relating to the accreditation and compliance with the SGS quality management system. Ensure accreditation status is maintained.
• Accountable for all Environmental Laboratory equipment and reagents required for analysis.
• Responsible for building a strong team and ensure collaboration between departments.
• Responsible for long & short term strategic operational development of the Geochem facility.
• Contribute ideas and support to global Minerals structures within the Group.
• Must have local technical product knowledge.
• Develop budgets for specific local projects and new services.
• Responsible for appropriate service level as per agreement with clients.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY

• Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and meaningful way and to report such a situation. The employee has the responsibility to protect the environment as well.
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection.
• Cease to continue with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to act.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Address client complaints.

Education

• BSc or NDip in Chemistry or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in an environmental laboratory environment
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience at management level.

Required Skills

• Able to translate operational strategy into pragmatic action plans and execute.
• Able to interact with clients at all levels.
• Mastery in operational activities and principles with related technical knowledge.
• Is analytical and creative.
• Able to work autonomously with regular communication to management.
• Excellent communication and people skills, at all levels.
• Works well under pressure.
• Applies judgment and acts according to SGS Code of Integrity and associated policies.
• Sound financial acumen.
• Management skills.
• Advance Knowledge in environmental analysis and laboratory instruments. (ICP-OES, Skalar, UV and various Bench Top instruments.
• Advance Knowledge of USEPA and APHA test methods.