Laboratory Manager / Quality Manager at Multiform Human Development

Job Description

• We require assistance recruiting a Laboratory Manager / Quality Manager to take responsibility for laboratory operations, technical oversight, staff management and the quality management system.
• The successful candidate will oversee testing across seed, plant, feed, food, molecular, GMO, chemical and food-safety applications within the laboratory’s approved scope. This is a hands-on management role requiring practical laboratory testing, data analysis and interpretation alongside leadership and quality management responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and manage daily laboratory operations, workloads and resources to meet agreed turnaround times.
• Supervise, develop and assess laboratory staff, ensuring personnel are competent and authorised for assigned activities.
• Personally perform assigned laboratory testing and interpret data within documented competence and technical authority.
• Oversee technical review and authorised release of results, ensuring failed controls, unusual results and non-conforming work are investigated before release.
• Maintain and improve the quality management system in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, ISTA, DALRRD and other applicable requirements.
• Coordinate internal audits, accreditation assessments, management reviews, proficiency testing and corrective actions.
• Maintain effective document control, sample traceability and accurate laboratory records.
• Manage equipment calibration and maintenance, facilities, stock, suppliers and laboratory expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety procedures, data integrity standards, confidentiality and POPIA requirements.
• Manage customer enquiries and complaints, monitor performance and report significant risks and improvement priorities to senior management.

Candidate profile

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge of laboratory methods, method verification or validation, quality control, data interpretation and result review.
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISTA requirements applicable to the laboratory’s scope.
• Practical laboratory competence and the ability to remain actively involved in bench work.
• Strong leadership skills, including work allocation, coaching, competence assessment and performance management.
• The ability to investigate non-conformances, establish root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with consistently high standards of documentation.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to engage professionally with employees, customers, auditors and senior management.
• Sound understanding of laboratory safety, data integrity, confidentiality and secure release of results.
• Commercial awareness, including budget, stock and turnaround-time management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, laboratory information systems and routine performance reporting.
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to impartial technical decisions and transparent reporting.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD with minimum 4 years' relevant experience in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.

 Closing Date 30 September 2026