Technical Operations Manager (Microbiology) at SGS

Job Description

• Personnel management and implementation and maintenance of the quality system and control over sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures.

Personnel Management

• Supervise staff according to company policies and procedures
• Personnel development
• In-service training in order to develop and optimize skills
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings.
• Develop and implement training plans based on shortcomings.
• Responsible for problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.
• Motivation.
• Identify and co-ordinate attendance to training courses
• Effectively coordinate workload distribution and schedules
• Assist in the writing of job descriptions
• Promote good labour relations and effectively deal with conflict
• Set and maintain service standards
• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies

Performing tests

• Ensure all testing within the laboratory complies with the quality management system (ISO 17025 and SANAS)
• Ensure good housekeeping is maintained.
• Monitor standards and controls used within the section to ensure accurate results are being produced and that no negative trends are developing.
• Must be willing to work overtime when necessary.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager – duties with regards to accredited analysis must receive priority over non-accredited work
• Monitor standards and controls used within the section to ensure accurate results are being produced and that no negative trends are developing
• Must be willing to work overtime when necessary
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Monitor the technical accuracy of results and ensure documented remedial action is taken where necessary and data is recorded.
• Monitor and manage consumable items within the department to ensure that stock levels are maintained.
• Schedule work to ensure customer requirements are achieved.
• Ensure worksheets are generated in advance to ensure smooth workflow through the section.
• Reporting opinions and interpretations
• Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of effective and accurate reporting systems, including opinions and interpretations, satisfying customer requirements and needs and comply with the quality system.

Method modification and development and validation of new methods

• Keep abreast with new trends, current developments and analytical science procedures and communicate and implement improvements.
• Ensure detailed records are kept of all experimental and investigative work undertaken and that the required technical reports are submitted

Managerial duties

• Customer liaison
• 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 Business Line Manager.

Reporting opinions and interpretations

• Authority to liaise with customers regarding queries
• Authority to report analytical results
• Authority to report opinions and interpretations when requested

Quality & Health & Safety System

• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Actively participate in safety related activities.
• Always wear appropriate protective clothing.
• Adhere to all relevant HSE procedures and protocols.
• Awareness of the dangers of chemicals used through the study of MSDS.
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum BSc Honours in Microbiology; Masters in Microbiology preferred
• 5 – 10 years’ experience in a high throughput routine microbiology ISO 17025 accredited facility in a Senior analyst / management position
• Understanding the operations, maintenance and operational requirements of instrumentation used in the laboratory
• SACNASP registration preferred
• Technical Signatory
• Code 8 driver’s license

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of Food & Feed Analysis