We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,700 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

Team Lead

• Running the day to day operations of microbiology lab.
• Test food products, non-food products, water and any other items which require microbial analysis in accordance to standard operating procedures, techniques, national, international and industry standards or clients guidelines.
• Responsible for all lab technical issues, equipment utilization and reviewing processes to achieve the operational excellence to improve turnaround time and quality of service.
• Efficient and cost-effective lab materials management and supply chain, to achieve the required TAT, accuracy of results with effective materials cost.
• Train and supervise subordinate personnel emphasizing on the need for accuracy and reliability.
• Ensure all activities are carried out in compliance with the laboratory’s QA/QC system with an emphasis on ISO 17025 and ensure GLP compliance where applicable.
• Ensure equipment is serviced, maintained and calibrated and reporting all deficiencies in an appropriate manner.
• Ensure that adequate levels of consumables and reagent inventory are maintained to avoid downtime.
• Ensure that the set turnaround time for every sample submitted is adhered to and that the clients’ testing requirements are fully met including application of correct methods/standards.
• Ensure health and safety measures are adhered to regarding general hygiene, sample testing, sample retention, disposal/destruction.
• Coordinate annual and periodic stock take with all concerned stakeholders.

Experience

• At least Five (5) years relevant laboratory testing experience in a multi-purpose ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory.
• Must be a technical signatory with a national accreditation body for a minimum of 3 years with supervisory experience.
• Good knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, HACCP, HSE standards, accreditation body requirement and have sound knowledge of laboratory instruments such as the incubators, ovens, autoclaves and biosafety cabinet.
• Certified ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Internal auditor with demonstrated audit practice.
• Proven ability to develop, verify and validate methods
• Exposure in proficiency testing (PT) programs and non-conforming work management.

• Competencies

• Knowledge of laboratory functions and applications
• Maintenance of accreditation status
• Proficiency and substantial hands-on experience in modern Microbiology technique
• Microsoft Office Suite skills and familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System
• Work with minimum supervision
• Experience of supervision of a team
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload for self and team
• Have sound knowledge of laboratory work particularly microbiological analysis
• Satisfactory capability in application of the relevant testing protocol
• Sound technical record keeping techniques
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Keen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a strong commitment to process improvement and efficiency.
• Knowledge of microbiology hazardous waste, industrial hygiene, and/or environmental health standards

• Ensure correct methods, standards and techniques are applied consistently.
• Ensure that raw data of analysis carried out clearly supports results obtained prior to subsequent approval.
• Ensure that all tests, reporting and filing of test information are carried out in compliance with the laboratory’s QA/QC system and more especially ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Ensure that calibration status of all equipment used is always verified before any testing is carried out.
• Ensure that clients testing requirements are fully met and set turn-around time is always complied with.
• Responsible for housekeeping in the laboratory and ensure analysis is carried out in a clean and safe environment.
• Assesses the competence of individual analysts with respect to various tests performed and trains personnel on quality system activities.
• Ensure all client enquiries are responded to in a prompt, professional and conclusive manner.
• Ensures personnel are trained to be flexible by equipping them with multi-skills to enable then fit well in all the laboratories/sections. This facilitates business continuity, succession plan, growth and enhances efficiency whenever one of the sections is overwhelmed.
• Record & Report shortages, inconsistencies, issues with material/products required;
• Maintain QC charts on all reference samples to support continual validity of test results obtained.
• Ensure that laboratory activities under their control are carried out in a safe manner principally in general hygiene, sample testing, sample retention and sample destruction/disposal.
• Appraise, coach, counsel and develop direct reports, ensuring everyone’s areas for improvement are addressed immediately and in a constructive manner.
• Escalating any Health & Safety, Security and Sustainability problem that cannot be resolved locally via the HS reporting structure.
• Organize workload and assign resources aligned to workload assuring customer needs for 24hrs, 365-day service whilst still maintaining a long term, viable and competitive business for SGS.
• Identify, implement and coordinate as required by the laboratory manager, improvements to current laboratory operations to maximize equipment availability, ensure technical standards are maintained and improved, promote continuous improvement and provision of quality service to customers thus ensuring profitability.
• To ensure full compliance with the company’s code of integrity and professional conduct and always adopt behavior in accordance with all SGS policies.
• Any other duties assigned to you from time to time by Management.