SHEQ Specialist (Laboratory) - Limpopo at Samancor Chrome

Purpose of the job:

• To manage the Laboratory department in the provision of optimum scientific and quality service to the Smelter

Balanced Scorecard Pillars, Roles and Responsibilities:

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY

• Identify and assess level of issue-based risk exposures in area of responsibility by considering exposures to business, financial, legal issues, people, equipment, material, environment, processes, etc.
• Consider the level of risk, apply mitigation and implement control measures for residual risk (set objectives, minimum requirements, etc.)
• Manage SHEQ compliance within the Process through effective use of the Toolbox.
• Utilise the Integrated Management System (IMS) to initiate, investigate and report SHEQ status.
• Participate in formal SHEQ Audits, ISO9001, 14001, 45001, 17025.
• Ensure successful integration of ISO9001 quality system between Lab, Logistics and various plants.
• Maintenance of ISO9001, 14001, 45001 certifications audit participation
• Control of hazardous chemicals within laboratory environment
• Perform critical task observations.
• Perform LSBO’s within department as well as across site on final product activities.
• Do Significant incident investigations and Root cause analysis.

PEOPLE

• Manage performance of subordinates against set targets and objectives
• Ensure discipline is maintained (absenteeism, lateness, overtime, misconduct, etc.)
• Mentor, coach and council people to ensure improvement performance levels.
• Ensure personnel adhere to standards, policies and procedures.
• Ensure an enabling culture within the lab.
• Manage performance against set targets for competencies.
• Conduct career discussions, performance reviews and ensure IDP’s are linked to performance results and implemented as per plan.
• Participate in recruitment.

CUSTOMERS

• Ensure Customer Satisfaction
• Liaise with Production, Logistics, Admin and External Customers
• Handling customer complaints (investigation, compile report and give feedback)

BUSINESS PROCESSES

• Establish and compile Service Level Agreements with metallurgical plants and logistic departments.
• Monitor product specifications before authorisation of results (technical signatory)
• Accountable for overall quality and technical operation of the laboratory
• Ensure the availability of all resources needed for technical operations.
• Manage samples within the laboratory from receipt, oversee sampling activities, sample preparation, analysis and reporting of results.
• Manage the laboratory as a mini business according to targets established by Samancor Chrome Group Quality requirements (objective & targets)
• Ensure functionality and effectiveness of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Authorise test results and compile Certificate of Analysis as Technical Signatory for the laboratory for all dispatched products.
• Liaise with Maintenance and Service contractors for the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Validate new and existing test methods.
• Define, write review and update Laboratory Policy and Procedures according to ISO17025 requirements.
• Formulate laboratory objectives and ensure implementation and performance evaluation thereof.
• Manage daily implementation of Policies and Procedures by personnel.
• Review quality system and documentation annually for continued suitability
• Annual review of operational budget and capital applications
• Compile management of change (MOC) and management plans on IMS with any changes affected / new equipment received.
• Monitor and control laboratory costs within budget.
• Investigate route courses of non-conforming test work and conduct necessary corrective and preventative actions.
• Lead annual 17025 management review and participate in plant ISO annual management review meetings.
• Action on findings from management review meetings as well as internal and external audits
• Prepare and analyse samples for continuous evaluation of technical signatory competencies in accordance of ISO17025 standard.
• Compile quality and productivity reports for Management and Group SHEQ
• Implement and maintain ISO17025 standards and other relevant international standards.
• Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
• Continuously monitoring and evaluation of internal quality control checks
• Monitor and analyse of data for trend evaluations.
• Liaise with purchasing department to establish quality requirements for external suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits and compile audit reports
• Legal appointments as per ISO17025 and mine/smelter requirements
• Radiation officer appointment (only at certain sites at the moment)
• Ensure critical spare stock keeping and identification.
• Contractor management within Lab
• Project Management
• Communicate with SANAS regarding accreditation of laboratory.

GROWTH

• Manage Continuous Improvement through Operational Excellence

Business Development:

• Investigate opportunities to minimise/utilise waste (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle)
• Monitor Production, Raw Materials and Finished Product Quality trends and identify opportunities for improvements.
• Provide assistance in implementing and assuring quality requirements are met on QM and QA improvement initiatives.
• Improve Quality Awareness throughout the Group
• Standardise work processes throughout the Group Laboratories
• Identify training needs of personnel within the Group laboratories and provide training materials to close the gap.
• Effectively mentor candidates to enable transfer of knowledge within Samancor Chrome laboratories.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES: 

• Safety Leadership
• Innovation
• Planning, Organising & Control
• Results Orientation
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Relating & Networking
• Change Leadership
• Business Acumen

Workplace Competencies:

Skills:

• Microsoft programs
• Samancor systems – SAP, IMS, LIMS, COUPA, EBMS, Staff book, MES

Knowledge:

• ISO 17025; ISO 9001; ISO 14001; ISO 45001 and ISO 19011
• Applicable legislations

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree or National Diploma Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry
• 5 years’ relevant experience

Additional Requirements:

• Total Quality Management diploma/certificate
• Completed MDP (Management Development Programme)

Closing Date: 29 August 2023