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 processed and analyzed according to established methods and procedures and staff is managed in support of the quality and management systems.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel Management

• Personnel development

• In-service training in order to develop and optimize skills
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings.
• Implement training plans based on shortcomings.
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.
• Motivation.
• Identify and co-ordinate attendance to training courses

• Effectively manage workload distribution and schedules
• Manage staff according to company procedures and policies

Performing tests

• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Performing routine tests on samples according to standard methods and procedures.
• Performing tests on all quality control samples according to standard methods and procedures.
  • Accurately record results on QC charts and designated worksheets
  • Evaluate results and report any deviations from quality control norms immediately
• Assist in sections when in if so communicated doing task 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 log-books and worksheets indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures
  • Ensure good laboratory practices are followed – do not mess on any apparatus or instrument and if it should happen, clean up spills immediately before continuing.
  • 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
• Adhere to competency training program.
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Monitor the technical accuracy of results and ensure remedial action is taken where necessary and data is recorded.
• Monitors consumable items within the department to ensure that stock levels are maintained.
• Schedule work to ensure customer requirements are achieved.
• Ensure worksheets are generated in advance to ensure smooth workflow through the section.

Reporting opinions and interpretations

• Report all results on appropriate and designated worksheets.
• Calculation and record keeping of all analytical results.

Method modification and development and validation of new methods

• Perform analysis and report results required for method and instrument validation.
• Report shortcomings and deviations and perform communicated actions to implement and improve new and existing methods and procedures.

Quality System

• Responsible for control and maintenance of all section records.
• Authorized to investigate and process nonconforming issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Responsible and authorized to investigate and process improvement request issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Responsible for physical resources:

• Control instrument inventory
• Equipment commissioning
• Control of calibration and maintenance program
• Control equipment register and instrument logs
• Review of data from defect equipment
• In-house repairs (minor)

• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Statistical calculation and record keeping of all control and reference sample results.

Managerial Duties

• Effective staff management
• Support operations and ensure a positive staff morale in section.
• Customer liaison.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES

Performing tests

• Authority to ensure all testing within the laboratory complies with the quality management system (ISO17025 and SANAS).

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Authority to liaise with clients regarding queries.
• Authority to assist and compile test reports.

Specific authority

• 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 and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Quality System

• Authority to develop, control and maintain system documents.
• Responsible and authorized to investigate and process nonconforming issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Responsible and authorized to investigate and process improvement request issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Authorized customer communication on
• Clarification of customer requests
• Turnaround time
• Advice on sampling procedures, sample size, transport and disposal
• Advice and guidance on technical matters, opinions and interpretations on results
• Feedback on customer surveys
• Reporting of results
• Issuing quotations
• Authorized and responsible for purchasing, verification and control of approved suppliers list for purchasing of critical supplies and services.
• Authorized to select, develop and validate methods.
• Authorized and responsible for control over all reference materials and standards required for measurement of traceability.
• Authorized and responsible for accepting work and dispatching samples to an approved subcontractor.
• Authorized and responsible for control and interpretation of control charts
• Authorized and responsible for arrangement of inter-lab tests and investigation of out of spec results
• Authorized and responsible for control over subcontractor services.

Education

• B.Sc / Analytical Chemistry
• ISO 17025 Technical Signatory
• Languages: Proficiency in English and Afrikaans (Read, Speak, write)

Experience

• At least 3 years relevant laboratory experience

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Attention to detail
• Proficient in computer Literacy in Word and Excel.
• Above average typing skills
• To operate with minimal supervision
• Good interpersonal skills towards colleagues, clients & suppliers
• Ability to work in a high throughput environment.
• Systematic
• Thorough
• Accurate

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