PURPOSE OF THE JOB

 Manages the laboratory function including the testing, evaluating and reporting of product quality in accordance with standard operating procedures and relevant regulations.

 Monitors and reports on product quality and trends to ensure the delivery of customer requirement and achievement of mine targets.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Financial Perspective

1.     Interprets the operational requirements of the Laboratory function and integrate financial needs to ensure the availability of financial resources.

2.     Delivers and manages an annual budget that represents the best estimate of costs and supports the attainment of the organization and business unit’s financial objectives.

3. Allocates and monitors the utilization of allocated funds to enable the attainment of objectives.

4. Regularly reviews, monitors and appropriately responds to spend against budget.

5. Manages and reports expenditure according to financial procedure

• Internal Business Process Perspective
• Implements, maintains and enhances laboratory processes and systems in a manner that will ensure:
• Highlighting of sub-standard performance, processes and systems.
• Employees understanding their roles and being managed in a manner as to perform to the requirements of their roles.

1.      Laboratory outputs and records are of a high quality.

2.     . Ensures that equipment being supplied, used and maintained is done so in a manner supportive of the achievement of operational objectives.

3.       Ensures the safe and correct storage, use and disposal of chemicals within the   laboratory.

4.      Monitors and validates the laboratory systems and reports to ensure the accuracy and quality of laboratory outputs.

5.      Ensures compliance to sampling and analysis standards and adherence to industry norms and best practice.

6.      . Manages the procurement of relevant suppliers for the laboratory in conjunction with relevant organizational procedures.

7.     . Supervises and solves technical, operational, quality and environmental issues within SHEC guidelines and parameters.

8.     Produces and monitors reports for marketing and sales purposes, by analysing information and trends.

People Perspective

1. Manages performance of direct reports ensuring agreement of annual goals, measuring performance against agreed goals and dealing with non-performance accordingly.

 2. Talent management of direct reports, including career developments and paths for all staff and succession planning for key positions.

3. Ensures that the working environment contributes to improving staff morale and increased productivity

4. Coaches and mentors of direct reports.

5. Ensures a healthy and safe work environment for employees.

Customer Perspective

1.     Manages customer expectations and requirements to deliver effective and efficient laboratory services to the business in line with company values and standards.

2.     Takes ownership of customer complaints and uses technical knowledge and insight to resolve issues and problems accurately and timeously.

3.     Drives customer satisfaction through the provision of laboratory services.

 4. Builds and maintains key customer relationships including:

• HOD’s and Mine Management.
• Outsourced marketing contractor.

Stakeholder engagement and management:

1       Ensures that the needs of organizational stakeholders are prioritized and managed including:

• Colleagues and employees.
•  Contractors and suppliers.

 2. Works with management and employees to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

•      B.Tech/ B.Sc degree in Analytical Chemistry (NQF 7).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

•       Post-graduate degree in Analytical Chemistry (NQF 8).

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• 7 years’ experience within a Laboratory Manager role
• Experience working with ICP-MS and XRF techniques is essential.
• Background in manganese analysis is preferential.
• Experience in managing ISO 17025 requirements.