SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

The Non-Energy Minerals Trade division operates several laboratories across South Africa ensuring the quality and integrity of commodities, through inspection, for our clients worldwide. The HoD will be responsible for engaging with the site supervisors at each site to ensure operations are being managed according to quality and safety standards set by SGS. Furthermore, the HoD must ensure client issues are dealt with promptly and effectively. The successful candidate is expected to be knowledgeable on sampling methodology, quality, safety, and management. This candidate will play a crucial role in maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence in commodity inspection and certification.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations with site supervisors across multiple sites, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.
• Manage and resolve client issues, with administrative staff, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Implement and maintain safety standards (with site supervisors and quality team) across all sites, ensuring compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Monitor and manage staff performance, providing guidance and support as needed
• To coordinate inspection activities (planning, executing, and controlling) with the relevant branch supervisors and commodity coordinators.
• Manage and monitor operational performance at each location in terms of queries on quality, safety, and staffing.
• Ensure that adequate and appropriate manpower resources, equipment, and tools are available for total operational efficiency by coordinating with branch supervisors.
• Assist the Regional manager in effectively managing and continuously improving the quality management system and the implementation of any certifications and accreditation systems within the business lines.
• Responsible for overseeing fleet management, i.e., use of SGS vehicles by reviewing vehicle logs monthly and discussing with branch supervisors on efficient use of vehicles thereof.
• Responsible for reviewing manpower costs across the different sites and approving the costs thereof.
• Discuss and provide technical support to all present and potential clients by coordinating with commodity coordinators.
• Drive safety across the sites in NE Trade to ensure compliance with policy (SGS and governmental)
• Assist the Regional manager with all complaints and claim resolution.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system
• Perform quality checks on reports/certificates before it is issued to clients.
• Approve reports/certificates for release to the client.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by the direct line manager.

Education

• National Diploma/Degree in Chemical/Metallurgical Engineering, or Chemistry. An MSc will be advantageous.
• Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Quality Management or similar
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and its application
• Certificate/Diploma/Degree in management

Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience in a management role 
• Knowledge of process flow within a laboratory environment, or
• Experience in commodity inspection processes such as sampling and testing, tallying of data, and reporting/certification.

• Work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Operate under minimum supervision 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Use of MS Office tools (Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Languages: Proficient in English (Read, Speak, Write)
• Computational capability
• Planning and organizing
• Ability to problem solve/troubleshoot