Laboratory Supervisor at SGS

About the Job

Job Description

• 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.

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 matter

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.
• Can conduct physical preparation like cutting, breaking, homogenizing, crushing, grinding and pulverizing;
• chemical preparation (organic extraction and digestion) sample testing: wet analysis (gravimetric, titration, distillation) and other tests
• Ensures that work performed is in accordance with the QMS and Safety Policies defined in the Safety Manual.
• Wash sensitive glass wares for analyses.
• Cleans specific work area.
• Operates and maintains equipment used in preparing samples.
• Maintain records on equipment used in preparing samples and keep up-to-date records pertaining to sample storage and disposal.
• Assist laboratory analysts on internal preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment when needed.
• Signs worksheets, job instructions and other routine records related to the handled tests and as a requirement of the specific section.
• Ensures compliance to the Group and national policies including but not limited to the maintenance of the Quality Management System
• Operating to the highest standards of ethics, in accordance with the SGS Code of Integrity.
• Complies with the Quality, Health and Safety, Environment and Energy (QHSEE) policies and supporting objectives including, but not limited to:
• Demonstrates strong commitment to SGS QHSEE policies, procedures and work instructions by actively participating in meetings, projects and events, completes required training, intervenes in unsafe situations, refuses unsafe work, and complies fully with all applicable laws and regulations related to HSEE
• Acts appropriately and immediately to emergency situations and assists other staff members in maintaining readiness to respond to emergencies within the workplace
• Disposes or directs the disposal of waste generated as a part of daily work performed in a safe manner and in compliance with the disposal regulations and requirements, and in accordance with SGS Environmental Management System requirements
• Reports all incidents, including near misses and hazards, that may affect the achievement of QHSEE objectives in accordance with SGS Incident Reporting and Management requirements
• Efficiently uses all equipment, including safety equipment, and company owned property in the manner intended and reports any damaged / lost equipment to immediate superior
• Maintains a safe and tidy worksite according to the organization’s 5S program and guidelines
• Maintains awareness of the safety and health related hazards and environmental aspects and proposes action plans to control the risks to immediate superior or QHSEE Coordinators
• Actively participates in incident investigations and risk assessments as deemed necessary by SGS management
• Fulfills the requirements needed in the success of the QHSEE Management System
• Recognizes the potential consequences of not following the established policies, procedures, and guidelines, including not fulfilling the organization’s compliance obligations
• 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.

Supervisory duties

• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale.
• Manage staff overtime and weekend work required.
• 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.

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.

Experience

• 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-negotiate.
• 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.