AssureCloud Chemistry Lab Manager , Midrand at SafetySA

Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Management

• Manage daily laboratory operations, workflow, and staffing across the chemistry testing section
• Ensure efficient allocation of resources to meet turnaround times and client expectations
• Manage laboratory capacity, scheduling, and workload planning
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance
• Ensure timely review and release of analytical results

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and laboratory quality management systems
• Oversee method validation, verification, and ongoing performance monitoring activities
• Review technical records, non-conformances, corrective actions, and quality indicators
• Support and participate in SANAS assessments and internal audits
• Ensure accurate, traceable, and compliant laboratory documentation

Instrumentation & Technical Oversight

• Manage calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring of laboratory instrumentation
• Provide technical oversight across GC, LC, ICP (OES and MS), IC, TOC analysers, spectrophotometers, and general laboratory equipment
• Support method optimisation, troubleshooting, and implementation of new technologies where required
• Monitor analytical performance and investigate technical anomalies

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Act as the nominated Health and Safety Representative (Section 16.2, OHS Act 85 of 1993)
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and incident investigations
• Ensure implementation of safe work procedures and PPE compliance
• Promote a culture of safety and regulatory compliance throughout the laboratory

People Leadership

• Manage staff performance, competency, training, and development
• Maintain training records and succession planning initiatives
• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical support to laboratory personnel
• Drive accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement within the team

Client & Business Management

• Liaise with clients, SANAS assessors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on technical and quality matters
• Manage stock control, procurement activities, and laboratory resources
• Contribute to financial performance through cost control and operational efficiency
• Support achievement of GP and EBITDA targets

Technical Focal Points:

• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory management
• Water, food allergen, mycotoxin, animal feed, and CO₂ gas purity testing
• Method validation, verification, and measurement uncertainty
• GC, LC, ICP (OES and MS), IC, TOC analysers, and spectrophotometry
• Technical signatory support and accreditation compliance
• Health, safety, and risk management within laboratory environments
• Laboratory financial and operational management

Requirements

Qualifications:

• BSc, BTech, or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
• Relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• Additional training in laboratory quality, management, or health and safety would be beneficial.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years laboratory experience in an analytical testing environment.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or laboratory management role.
• Demonstrated experience within a SANAS ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Experience managing method validation, verification, and laboratory quality systems.
• Proven exposure to laboratory budgeting, stock control, procurement, or financial management.
• Experience interacting with clients, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Experience as a SANAS Technical Signatory (advantageous).

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Advanced analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Sound knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and laboratory quality systems.
• Strong technical understanding of wet chemistry and instrumental analytical techniques.
• Excellent documentation, record review, and root cause analysis skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong planning, organisational, and financial management capabilities.

Other:

• Willingness and capacity to fulfil Health and Safety Representative responsibilities.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, integrity, and compliance.
• Ability to work under pressure while managing multiple priorities.

High degree of professional ethics and values aligned with:

• Integrity
• Courage
• Care
• Passion
• Innovation
• Accountability
• Preference may be given to Employment Equity candidates in line with company policy.