Laboratory Technical Manager

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Job Description

The primary responsibility of a Technical Manager is to oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Instrumentation laboratory and to include oversight and leadership of technical staff. Provides expert guidance, technical oversight, and/or support to individuals engaged in laboratory testing. Delivering a cost effective, process efficient and timely output in support of customers and achieving company operating expense goals while ensuring compliance to ISO/IEC 17025, Group Policies & Guidelines, Health and Safety, OIMS and Customer requirements.

Business Responsibilities

• Ensure the development of new testing services in lines with the Management plan.

• Analyze data and interpret results to inform further research and development activities.

• Stay updated with the latest scientific advancements and industry trends.

• Evaluate, validate and optimize new testing methods and techniques.

• Hold full responsibility for the technical competence of the Instrumentation laboratory.

• Manage, supervise and train staffs.

• Provide technical expertise to staffs and respond to technical questions.

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including technician scheduling, resource allocation, cleanup, and maintenance.

• Manage all processes in line with corporate guidelines and customer’s requirements, including but not limited to order review, handling of test items, testing, resource management, quality control, control of data, data interpretation, verification of reports etc.…

• Ensure good laboratory practices and housekeeping of work area.

• Ensure that all equipment is well maintained, in good operating conditions and calibrated as per defined requirements.

• Operate analytical instruments and related components, which may be extremely delicate and sensitive; adjust and resolve new and unusual problems.

• Conduct performance assessment and goal setting for team as per group guideline and time frame.

• Manage resources in an efficient and sustainable manner; cost control without compromising service quality and delivery.

• Manage laboratory consumables, maintain chemical inventory and ensure that reorder level is clearly defined.

• Establish and improve procedures and processes by addressing issues and risks.

• Ensure that all work performed are accurate and reliable.

• Ensure that testing requirements are fully met including application of correct methods / standards and applicable tolerance with respect to regulatory norms.

• Monitor job progress and ensure that reports are delivered within the agreed turnaround time.

• Ensure proper elimination of laboratory waste products.

Quality Responsibilities

• Responsible for the maintenance of the Laboratory management system; in line with the requirements of ISO / IEC 17025, Accreditation body requirements and SGS Global Requirements.

• Support the training and development of all staff to ensure awareness and understanding of Quality Standards and the relevance to business objectives.

• Ensure that the system documentation is well communicated, understood and implemented by the team.

• Ensure that the service the organization provides is fit for purpose and meets both external and internal requirements, including legal compliance and customer expectations.

• Deal with customer inquiries, complaints and claims; and ensure proper investigation to support the management in the handling process.

• Take corrective and preventive actions based on customer’s opinions / complaints and performance standards.

• Ensure that all proposed corrective actions are completed as planned and are effective in reducing possible repeat recurrences of the non-conformity.

• Ensure all quality reporting is done on time e.g. SGS Lab excellence program, SGS Global PT Reporting / Results.

OI / HSE Responsibilities

• Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of OI Initiatives and Operational Integrity Management System (OIMS).

• Ensure adherence to set goals, objectives, policies, procedures and systems pertaining to OI / HSE.

• Promote a positive Health, Safety and Environment culture in the Organization.

• Intervene when an unsafe act or condition is observed and stop any job that is considered unsafe.

• Identify possible hazards in the workplace and perform risk assessment to ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken.

• Report and record all accidental injuries or dangerous occurrence and assist in accident investigation, where appropriate.

• Ensure personnel are aware of emergency arrangements in relation to safety and environmental incidents.

• Communicate and enforce laboratory safety rules to employees working in the lab.

• Ensure all users of the lab are wearing the appropriate PPE.

• Schedule safety training for new laboratory staffs and retraining for laboratory staffs who need refresher training to include but not be limited to equipment training, safety training and/or emergency action plan and ensure the training has been documented.

• Report OI KPIs to the OI / HSE Department as and when required.

Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or any equivalent field.

Additional Information

• Minimum 10 years of experience in operational laboratory management.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Familiar with international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025 etc.
• Analytical thinker with a deep understanding of the scientific method and experience in a laboratory setting.
• Familiar with SLIM – SGS Laboratory Information Management System.
• Flexible to work extended hours and outside blocked business hours where required to meet business realities.
• Holder of clean and active certificate of character
• Familiar with high-tech equipment such as AAS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, Gallery Discreet Analyzer etc.…
• Good knowledge of analytical method validation and statistical control.
• Ability to evaluate and express the measurement uncertainty in testing laboratories.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team of laboratory technicians.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a strong commitment to process improvement and efficiency.
• Ability to design, install, build, test, operate and/or maintain complex laboratory equipment, machinery and/or tools.
• Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise.
• Knowledge of chemical, hazardous waste, industrial hygiene, and/or environmental health standards.
• Working knowledge of practical teaching/instructional methods and techniques, as applicable to specific area of expertise.
• Computer literate.