Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To manage all production, quality, SHE and staff related issues within the Geochemistry Fire Assay and Sample Preparation sections. To ensure the optimal operation of these sections by adding technical and managerial support.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the day-to-day management, planning, coordination and operation of the Geochem Fire Assay department and sample Preparation.
• Responsible for planning, reviewing and monitoring of capital, revenue and expense budgeting.
• Maintain appropriate shift structures and shift rosters to address workload and throughput as per sectional capacity targets and client commitments.
• Maintain, monitor, procure and manage appropriate stock levels within budgetary constraints and workload requirements.
• Responsible for sample routing, formulating changes, improving workflow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
• Coordinate Method Development and Method Validation.
• Responsible for effective and appropriate use of equipment and facilities including breakdowns, maintenance, repairs and servicing according to internal schedules.
• Responsible for development, effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department, including training, recruitment and disciplinary issues.
• Keeping abreast of new trends and current development in Analytical Science.
• Attending client meetings, liaising with clients when required.
• Assisting with results evaluation and validation.
• Ensuring that bowl weights are reported on a weekly basis to the Quality Manager by Sample prep supervisor.
• Determine, manage and drive initiatives to implement and monitor accreditation requirements as per SGS and ISO17025 requirements.
• Responsible for Health and Safety within the Geochem Fire Assay and sample prep departments.
• Ensuring that company policies are adhered to by all staff and communicating any changes of these policies to the staff.
• Complying and conforming to the QHSE policy of the company.
• Must be fully acquainted with the LIMS system.
• Must comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS).
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITYÂ

• Authorise re-assays of nonconforming results.
• Authorise and sign-off competency of staff.
• Authorise and sign-off documents for use within department.
• Discipline errant employees.
• Authorise and validate new analytical methods and calibration standards for use.
• Authorise procurement of stock, consumables, chemicals and standards and maintain minimum stock levels within the department.
• Authorise and manage leave.
• Authorise and manage overtime and shift rosters.
• Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such a situation.  The employee has the responsibility to protect the environment as well.
• 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.
• Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to act.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Qualifications

Education

• Matric (Grade 12) – with Mathematics and Science as subjects
• B.Sc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a relevant field.
• Solid Management/Senior Supervisory experience.
• Validating and reporting results.
• Solid Fire Assay technical knowledge and experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Good planning, co- ordination and management skills.
• Good team management and motivation skills.
• Strong and assertive leadership skills, while maintaining good staff relationships.
• Outstanding Attention to detail
• Double checks the accuracy of information and work product.
• Expresses concern that things be done right, thoroughly or precisely.
• Effective planning and organization
• Anticipates obstacles realistically when planning. Keeps clear, detailed records of own or other’s activities related to the accomplishment of stated objectives.  Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively.
• Effective computer skills
• Comprehension of systems function and utilization thereof.
• Concern for order and quality
• Reflects an underlying drive to reduce uncertainty in the surrounding environment.  It is expressed in such forms as monitoring and checking work or information, insisting on clarity of roles and functions, etc.
• Flexibility