Operational Manager at ALS

Job Description

About the position:

• We seek an Operations Manager to be responsible for all operational activity in Coal Division, Witlab for ALS in the Mpumalanga area. Providing support to the Business Manager: Site Laboratories in ensuring the main activity of the business is managed and operated efficiently and a leadership role is provided:
• Management responsibility for branch office with effective management of P&L and financial performance.
• Laboratory, Sampling, and Inspection activities.
• Quality Control, HSE and Maintenance, Administration, Vehicle Control and Procurement, Human Resources related and Financial-Budgeting responsibilities
• Provision of first class services and customer service experience to all customers. Customer relationship management.
• Business output targets in relation to productivity, quality, accuracy and consistency.
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Continuously developing an efficient and effective culture integrally linked to core ALS values.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a successful track record and experience in the management of analytical laboratories and / or inspection services; preferably relating to coal analysis.
• Extensive experience (practical knowledge and management) relating to the provision of sampling and sample preparation services; preferably relating to coal analysis.
• A thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems (implementation, management and maintenance) and ISO 17025 in particular. A quality focussed individual.
• A customer focussed individual, driven by the need to continuously provide high quality services for all customers. Adept at managing customer relationships and placing customers’ expectations at the heart of all activity.
• Excellent people management and supervisory skills; provide leadership, team building, coaching and mentoring.
• Strong and effective business English communication skills. Able to communicate effectively, verbally and written, and professionally to all levels within ALS and with customers.
• Ensure that all site HSE & Compliance policies and procedures are adhered to and are central to site culture.
• Flexibility to travel within Sub Sahara Africa as and when business needs dictate.

About you:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience within a Coal operation with associated Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. Previous experience of managing analytical laboratories is desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years’ management experience in a related field.
• Excellent leadership and motivational management skills
• Up to date knowledge of ISO 17025 and ISO 9000. Quality Management experience in respect of document control practices, quality records, quality management systems and LIMS.
• Successful candidate will have a Diploma or a Bachelor level tertiary qualification in related field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with staff to maximise teamwork
• Demonstrate a successful track record and experience in training & development and staff performance management.