Laboratory Manager

Job title: Laboratory Manager

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

Position in the Organization

The primary objective of the Laboratory Manager is to oversee the operations of the laboratory to ensure that results are delivered in an efficient, productive, accurate and timely manner.

Scope of the Job

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:

• Compliance

• Practice the ALS Health and Safety Foundation Standards

• Ensure effective and adequate Health, Safety & Environmental initiatives are implemented

• Practice the ALS company core values

• Abide by the ALS corporate and local company policies and procedures

• Update and maintain compliance portal on incidents for your site

• Abide by local legislative requirements at all times

• Compliance to the ALS Quality Management System

• Responsible for ensuring ALS quality protocols are adhered to and quality targets met at all times and in accordance with ISO17025 quality standards

• Prepare and comply with internal as well as external audits

• Liaise with local government, relevant agencies and ALS centralized support services to comply with statutory requirements on environment, taxation and relevant legislation

• Investigate and recommend solutions to resolve historical incidents in above areas

• Efficient and Effective Operations

• Facilitate weekly tool box talks

• Work closely with the Operations Manager and senior staff to plan, direct and coordinate activities within the Laboratory facilities.

• Meeting defined Key Performance Index in Quality, Turnaround time and Efficiency

• To ensure the smooth operation and investigation of any incidents within the lab.

• Effectively manage, mentor and coach the team within the lab to ensure that the production, quality of sample preparation and analytical work meets the requirements.

• Replenish consumables, coordinate equipment repair/maintenance

• Liaise with clients in Ghana for sample receiving and sending off to offer ALS labs

• Perform local supply sourcing and other administrative duties for the operations

• Receive and oversee the procurement of supply items

• Train and develop the local supervisors and technical staff to operate the facility with the same quality and efficiency standards as the rest of the ALS labs.

• Facilitate audit, inspection and visit by ALS managers and relevant personnel

• Submit staff hours, timesheets and other required reports

• Ensure that analyses are done according to ALS documented procedures and standards

• Provide oversight for the maintenance and established of QC programs and ISO accreditation preparation

• Provide oversight for Incident/accident logging, investigation and closure in absence of QC personnel

• Coordinate speedy resolution of client complaints/ queries

• Client Retention

• Ensure effective business development and customer satisfaction within the site.

• Meet existing clients to identify challenges and or additional requirements

• Work closely with internal colleagues to understand and meet client’s needs

• Arrange and participate in client debriefs

• Reports

• Participate in management meetings and submit weekly and monthly data to ensure data accuracy

• Forecast sales targets for the year and ensure they are met

• Compile key business metrics and report on them to management

• Risk Mitigation

• Alert the management to key emerging risk areas

• Make input to improve risk mitigation strategies

• Actively participate in crisis management activities as and when required

• Finance

• Ensure financial viability within the Laboratory operations

• Achieve the budgeted targets and profitable growth for the operations whilst ensuring safety, compliance, quality and client satisfaction

• Project yearly budget and risk mitigation

• Generate and monitor monthly finance and budget reports for the operations

• Human Resource

• Conduct and complete the Performance Appraisals for the client service staff.

• Ensure time and attendance in strict accordance with ALS policies for all staff in the area of responsibility i.e. timeous completion of monthly timesheets, appropriate leave planning, etc

• Assist HR with annual salary reviews and bonus reviews.

• Manage employee headcount as per the FTE ratings within the region to ensure compliance.

• Assist with the recruitment of direct line reports and facilitate all inter-departmental transfers and re-deployment.

• Ensure that all company policies are implemented, adhered to, and appropriate disciplinary measures instituted against violations of such policies

Competencies required for the role are as follows: Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, planning and communication skills
• Skilled in the art of influencing, contract negotiations and closing agreements
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity
• Highly organised and flexible
• Sound decision making, problem solving and preventive measures skills
• Demonstrates accountability and a team player
• Ability to investigate, resolve and respond to queries
• Inspires and drives excellence in all aspects of work
• Interact and communicate in a respectful manner taking into consideration the diverse cultures

Technical Competencies

• Good commercial understanding and appreciation of factors involved in delivering quality services profitably
• Excellent fiscal, numerical and analytical skills
• Strategic planning/thinking and implementation abilities
• Attention to detail and work under pressure
• Ability to multi task and meet challenging deadlines
• Effective communication skills both verbally and written within all levels of ALS and with the clients
• Advanced network and client relationship building skills

Qualifications

• A Minimum of a Chemistry/Science/Geology/Engineering Diploma or Degree from a recognized University or Institution and or in-depth understanding and knowledge of Chemistry or Geology.

• Minimum - 5 years’ relevant Operations Management experience with a multinational geochemical testing or mining/exploration company

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English is a mandatory requirement.

• Good interpersonal skills and effective in working in a multi-cultural environment.

• Sound technical knowledge of Geochemical analytical techniques

• Ability to travel

• Please note that the content of this job description sets out to define the major areas of responsibility present in the job at the time that the document was drawn up. The content of the actual job could include ad hoc tasks not present in this document and the job description will grow and change according to the organizational needs as the organization develops. This document will be reviewed on a regular basis and particularly during each performance appraisal process with the job holder.

• Working at ALS

• The ALS team is a diverse and dedicated community united by our passion to make a difference in the world.

• Our values are important to us, and shape how we work, how we treat each other and how we recognise excellence.

• At ALS, you’ll be supported to develop new skills and reach your full potential. We invest in our people with programs and opportunities that help you build a diverse career with us.

• We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and our communities.

• Everyone Matters

• ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where the strengths and perspectives of each employee are both recognised and valued.

• ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process are available upon request.

• Eligibility

• To be eligible to work at ALS you must be a Citizen or Permanent Resident of the country you are applying for, or either hold or be able to obtain, a valid working visa.