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.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day functions of the Microbiology section of the SGS laboratory and for personnel management, implementation and maintenance of the quality system and control over sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures in an ISO 17025 accredited food safety testing laboratory as a technical signatory.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel management – Microbiologist, Lab Technicians / Assistants, Interns

• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies.
• Training in order to develop and optimize staff skills.
• Manage competency training program.
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings of staff.
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.

Supervising and Performing tests

• Ensure all testing within the laboratory complies with the quality management system (ISO 17025 and SANAS).

• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparation/supervising preparation of samples and media.
• Performing routine analysis on samples according to standard methods and procedures.
• Ensure the execution and finalization of method validation plans and associated work as they arise.
• Operate instruments according to specified procedures.
• Maintain records indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures.
• Ensure good laboratory practices are followed.
• Ensure good housekeeping is maintained.
• Adhere to competency training program.
• Perform tests pertaining to Global projects, including verifications.
• Supervise the proficiency testing scheme program.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Must be willing to work overtime when necessary.

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.
• Evaluate results against quality control specifications.

Reporting opinions and interpretations

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

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.
• Perform verifications pertaining to Global and Local projects, as and when necessary.

Quality & Health & Safety System

• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Responsible for the implementation and management of a quality system (ISO 17025)
• Responsible for the control and maintenance of system documents.
• Responsible for personnel technical competence through induction training of new employees and training programs for permanent and temporary staff.
• 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.
• Responsible for physical resources:
• Equipment commissioning.
• Review of data from defective equipment.
• In-house repairs.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas.
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results.

Supervisory duties

• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale.
• Manage staff overtime and weekend work required.
• Customer liaison.
• Responsible for effective and appropriate utilization of staff, equipment and facilities within the section.
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable task as assigned by the Technical Operations Manager.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• The position requires an Honours degree (Food Science / Microbiology majors) / BTech in Biotechnology from a recognized tertiary education facility in the field of microbiology.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar laboratory – high throughput routinised food safety testing in microbiology using ISO 17025 accredited methods is non-negotiable.

Experience

• Experience in the application of ISO 17025.
• Understanding the operations, maintenance and operational requirements of instrumentation used in the laboratory.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be a technical signatory with SANAS for a minimum of 5 years.
• SACNASP registration an advantage.
• Proven experiment design skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Competencies

• Knowledge of laboratory functions and applications.
• Maintenance of accreditation status.
• Maintenance of service quality to customers.
• Maintenance of turnaround time and reporting time set by management.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Sound technical record keeping techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Propensity to pay attention to detail.
• Proficiency and substantial experience in modern Microbiology techniques.
• Proven ability to develop and validate methods.
• High level of computer skills and familiarity with instrument control/data acquisition software.