Section Manager - Fire Assay

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 89,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. - Responsible for the day to day management, planning, coordination and operation of the Geochem Fire Assay department and sample Preparation. - Responsible for planning, reviewing and monitoring of capital, revenue and expense budgeting. - Maintain appropriate shift structures and shift rosters in order to address workload and throughput as per sectional capacity targets and client commitments. - Maintain, monitor, procure and manage appropriate stock levels within budgetary constraints and workload requirements. - Responsible for sample routing, formulating changes, improving work flow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments. - Coordinate Method Development and Method Validation. - Responsible for effective and appropriate use of equipment and facilities including breakdowns, maintenance, repairs and servicing according to internal schedules. - Responsible for development, effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department, including training, recruitment and disciplinary issues. - Plan a production schedule for the jobs/projects in according with lab capability and client requirements. - Implement and control the production schedule - Review and adjust the schedule where needed - Keeping abreast of new trends and current development in Analytical Science. - Attending client meetings, liaising with clients when required. - Assisting with results evaluation and validation. - Ensuring that bowl weights are reported on a weekly basis to the Quality Manager by Sample prep supervisor. - Determine, manage and drive initiatives in order to implement and monitor accreditation requirements as per SGS and ISO17025 requirements. - Responsible for Health and Safety within the Geochem Fire Assay and sample prep departments. - Ensuring that company policies are adhered to by all staff and communicating any changes of these policies to the staff. - Complying and conforming to the QHSE policy of the company. - Must be fully acquainted with the LIMS system. - Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS). - Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system. - Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager. - Direct communication with clients daily on: - Status updates on new and existing projects - Re-negotiating timescales or schedules as necessary - Requests for information about services offered - RFQ’s and follow up on acceptance - Prepare and maintain production reports - Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets Education - Minimum BSC Chemistry or ND Analytical Chemistry - Mathematics background would be an added advantage. Experience - Minimum 10 years’ experience in a commercial laboratory environment. - Experience in client liaison and customer relationship management - Strong knowledge of SLIM - Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage - Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements Competencies - Good co- ordination and proven management skills. - Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications. - Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous - Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines. - Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations. - Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.