Manager Analytical Services - Vereeniging at Rand Water

Job Advert Summary
The overall responsibility of the successful candidate is to manage laboratories in the production of water quality data within the disciplines of biology and chemistry.  The respective laboratories analyse water samples to produce water quality data in accordance with ISO 17025, whilst remaining compliant to ISO 18001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001.  The timeous and reliable production of the water quality data underpins the water quality assurance program at Rand Water.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF 9 - MSc in Biological Science and/or equivalent in Chemical Science
• NQF 7 – Management diploma or equivalent
• Desired Education – (NQF 10) PhD in Biological Science and / or equivalent in Chemical Science, with substantial experience in the Water Industry and a deep understanding of water issues and water quality analysis in an accredited laboratory. Local and International experience in the water industry
• Exposure in the commercialization of a laboratory services is a must
• Desired Education – (NQF 8) MBA in Business Administration or equivalent
• Professional registration within the Scientific and/or allied fraternities
• Thorough understanding of the analytical laboratory production environment
• Sound track record of report compilation in science and/or business
• Ten years’ laboratory experience, with at least seven years’ experience in laboratory management (human, financial, and infrastructure resources
• Ten years’ experience in the application of laboratory and environmental quality assurance (QA), good laboratory practice (GLP) and management systems including laboratory safety practices.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in laboratory strategy planning, business development, streamlining laboratory production lines, and positioning of the laboratory in the relevant market

Primary Duties

• To manage the laboratory’s performance in meeting all required deliverables whilst maintaining its various certifications and its accreditation status
• Laboratories to consistently meet or exceed all requirements of the Blue Drop Water legislation
• To govern all stakeholder relationships in an inclusive manner in considering the interests and expectations of stakeholders while ensuring the best interest of the laboratory
• To develop strategic plans for the laboratory in ensuring sustained accredited laboratories which consistently produce the required biological and chemical data
• Compilation of effective business plans to support the efficient implementation of strategic plans
• To ensure the sustainability of laboratory operations using an integrated business approach with focus on economic, social and environmental aspects of business
• To maintain a low-risk laboratory operation by implementation of a regulatory compliance risk profile in mitigation against regulatory risks, reputational risks, financial risks, as well as all other associated risks within the laboratory environment.
• Plan and prioritize scheduled work activities, audits and asset management
• To provide all required field services with respect to sample taking for Rand Water in support of its water quality monitoring programme.
• Ensure effective participation of key laboratory staff in national, regional and international stakeholder groups to position the laboratory as an industry leader while protecting the best interests of Rand Water laboratories

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of PFMA, King codes, OSHA, LRA, and laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of the Blue Drop, Green Drop and SANS 241 water quality requirements
• Sound knowledge and application of national and international trends in water quality, testing and quality assurance of water throughout the water cycle.
• Knowledge of environmental health and health aspects of biological and chemical variables
• Sound understanding of quality infrastructure institutions and their inter-relationships 

Skills

• Proficient at report compilation (business and science).
• Skilled at the development of strategic laboratory business plans
• Effective verbal and communication skills at the executive level
• Skilled at budget planning and asset management (human capital and laboratory instrumentation and equipment)
• Ability to manage a young multi-cultural workforce within a unionised environment
• Skilled in knowledge application of water analytical methodologies and instrumental techniques within the disciplines of biology and chemistry
• Ability to manage and maintain the laboratory infrastructure environment (air exchange systems, electrical supply, etc.)
• Equipped to manage expansion of the laboratories to enable multiple faculties which are profitable

Attitude

• Conscientious & energetic leader with a passionate commitment to laboratory operations.
• Adopts positive approaches with the fraternity at the scientific and management level
• Sets management example with a firm approach, yet keenly assists colleagues, while respecting all in the workplace
• Demonstrates strong work ethic with goal driven approaches
• Consistently steering laboratory productivity to new heights in respect of quality and turn-around times
• Driving scientific excellence within all aspects of laboratory operations
• Goal setting on commercial ventures and expansion for revenue generation