Main Purpose of the Job:

The Laboratory Manager has overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the operations infrastructure of all laboratory facilities at the Namibia Walvis Bay site. Through continuous improvement, optimize the utilization of the laboratories and capacity to ensure throughput and quality according to client requirements and compliance with integrity programs. Plan and develop operational requirements for the areas of responsibility to ensure the smooth running of these facilities. Ensure that the overall production and quality objectives for the laboratory facilities under his/her control are achieved.

Responsibilities and Duties of the role include but are not limited to:

• Collectively manage and utilize the laboratory resources (human resources, equipment, IT software & hardware and training) to ensure a sound operational infrastructure in the facility.
• Through sound applications, ensure the required quality standards in the department is achieved.
• Manage customer complaints and claims through a systematic approach and with clear resolve within the required timelines
• Liaising with the clients regarding queries, concerns, and all relevant technical matters.
• Overall accountable for the provision and planning of resources as well as the technical requirements for all major projects in the division.
• Responsible for the continuous improvement in the department to ensure that client and industry demands are met.
• Accountable with Health & safety procedures and protocols and ensure that these are adopted, implemented in the department and communicated effectively to all laboratory employees.
• Ensure continuous improvement in terms of market requirements through applicable method development and modification of existing services on demand and to continuously looking at broadening the company's scope of accreditation.
• Responsible for effective cost control to ensure maximum benefit for the customer, without compromising the quality of the services and products.
• Operate to the highest standards of ethics, in accordance with the SGS Statement of Integrity.
• Lead, coach and develop the operating team in the laboratory
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Responsible for all SANAS matters relating to the accreditation and compliance with the SGS quality management system
• Accountable for meeting Business budget revenues and profitability forecasts
• Responsible for building and maintaining a single, cohesive and motivated team, focused on client service & satisfaction with a high level of collaboration between technical groups
• Responsible for long & short term strategic operational development of the facility
• Contribute ideas and support to global Minerals structures within the Group
• Responsible for setting annual budget targets for revenue and profit for the department, in collaboration with Regional SGS Manager.
• Must have local technical product knowledge
• Develop budgets for specific local projects and new services
• Responsible for appropriate service level as per agreement with clients.

Specific Authorities:

• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified BSc or National Diploma in Chemistry or equivalent
• Business qualification an advantage Minimum of 7 years of experience in a commercial laboratory environment Able to translate operational strategy into pragmatic action plans and execute
• Able to interact with clients at all levels
• Mastery in operational activities and principles with related technical knowledge
• Is analytical and creative
• Able to work autonomously with regular communication to management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, at all levels
• Works well under pressure
• Fluent English and local language an asset
• Applies judgment and acts according to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity
• Sound financial acumen
• Management skills
• Client liaison and good communication skill

Qualifications:

Education

• BSc or National Diploma in Chemistry or equivalent
• Business qualification an advantage

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a commercial laboratory environment

Competencies

• Able to translate operational strategy into pragmatic action plans and execute
• Able to interact with clients at all levels
• Mastery in operational activities and principles with related technical knowledge
• Is analytical and creative
• Able to work autonomously with regular communication to management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, at all levels
• Works well under pressure
• Fluent English and local language an asset
• Applies judgment and acts according to the SGS standards of ethics and integrity
• Sound financial acumen
• Management skills
• Client liaison and good communication skill

Closing Date: 26 August 2026.