Team Lead, Lab Operations

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for administering and monitoring the adherence of lab operations to the Quality Management System and departmental work practices. The incumbent will act as a connecting link between the Manager/Supervisor and the lab area operations and ensure a smooth workflow in the department. The position will coordinate and monitor the Lab activities ensuring that analyses are completed on time and report the test results to clients meeting the turnaround targets. The incumbent will ensure quality standards are met, investigate issues, and initiate corrective actions, as applicable. The Team Lead will coordinate with the Lab to address any operational issues immediately or report to the Manager/Supervisor for further action.
 

REPORTING LINE

• Directly reports to: Manager/Supervisor, Minerals Trade This position works under general direction

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and train technical staff in carrying out tests and checks according to established methods and meeting Quality Control (QC) standards. 
• Assist Manager/Supervisor to coordinate and schedule workflow in the department so that client deadlines are met in a timely fashion.
• Responsible for reviewing client requirements and reporting client results. 
• Responsible for the quality of all the data released by the department to the clients. 
• Monitor and insure work practices and laboratory analyses are carried out as per established methods,
• SOPs and that they meet all QC standards and best practices, as applicable. 
• Assist QA/QC Supervisor to investigate and resolve any quality non-conformances. 
• Identify client needs, respond to client concerns and complaints and initiate necessary documentation and actions. 
• Assist Manager/Supervisor to address client inquiries, investigate and resolve issues to ensure quality and customer satisfaction standards are met. 
• Conduct quality internal audits, review SOPs & checklists, and ensure document control measures are applied to all quality documents. 
• Maintain QC control charts on selected method schemes. 
• Coordinate development of new laboratory methods and method validations in response to client/market needs. 
• Plan and initiate procedures necessary to ensure the maintenance and improvement of the company’s quality management program.
• Maintain accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 and other relevant accreditations.
• Maintain training matrix skill, equipment list, quality system documents list, certificate inventory, etc.
• Calculate and report proficiency studies tests regularly conducted in the lab. 
• Monitor results from proficiency test and collates and analyses performance data against defined
• parameters.
• Act as a back-up for administrative co-workers. 
• Maintain and promote clean and safe work environment. 
• Promote a team environment among staff. 
• May be assigned and coordinate special or ad hoc projects as needed.

LEADERSHIP/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides guidance and/or leadership to others, including indirect reports, peers, or managers Yes
• Please provide examples of supervisory responsibilities
• Has hiring and terminating responsibilities No
• Supervises others Yes
• Number of employees directly reporting 1-5

JOB COMPLEXITY

• Problems or issues require the interpretation of existing practices, procedures, rules and know alternative to resolve issues that deviate from standard methods, procedures, etc.
• Analysis, troubleshooting, amendments, and adaptation of existing procedures to achieve the desired results.
• Plan and develop actions to resolve issues which have broad implications on major/minor projects.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

• Impact of incumbent’s decisions on client satisfaction (e.g., quality of results, turnaround time, addressing queries)
• Potential impact on co-workers, affiliates, and departmental goals (e.g., financial goal, meeting deadlines).

ANALYTICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING

• Amend established methods and procedures within prescribed standards (e.g., legislative boundaries, regulatory requirements, customer specifications, etc.).
• Develop and implement plans to achieve specific short-term job-related objectives.
• Investigate and propose solutions to problems/outliers. Initiate appropriate corrective and/or preventive actions.
• Identify fundamental problems in the functioning of the lab and collaborate with Manager/Supervisor/co-workers for resolution.

COMMUNICATION/CONTACTS

• Direct communication with technicians, administrative assistants, Manager/Supervisor in relaying
• information, as applicable, to maintain workflow in the department.  Direct communication with clients to assess and fulfil their requirements.
• Participate in group meetings (QMS, HSE, lab operation)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: A post-secondary education (degree and/or diploma) in a Science related program (Chemistry, Geology, Mineralogy or Chemical Engineering etc.) is a strong asset.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a minerals/geochemical analysis related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in Quality Management System and Quality Audits

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Leadership skills and experience in supervising technicians (especially, in a minerals-related lab).
• Demonstrated experience working with customers and suppliers.
• Knowledge of GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Familiar with official accredited methods such as AFPC, AOAC, ASTM, ISO methodology.
• Software skills: proficient is using MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and
• composition.
• Ability to work well with others & independently.
• Proven time management skills, strong attention to detail and work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Competent in reviewing analytical procedures, work instructions.
• Works well under pressure.
• Extended hours and shift work may be required from time to time.
• Travel to other SGS locations or client locations may be required from time to time.
• Ensures full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies.

ADDITIONAL KSAS

• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast paced, highly professional environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

• Confined sitting (limited freedom to move about) Seldom 
• Tasks requiring light physical effort, for example lifting 5 kgs to 10 kgs Seldom 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORK CONDITIONS

• Regular office environment
• Constant, moderate noise Seldom
• Wearing protective equipment Seldom 

VISION REQUIREMENT

• No Special Vision Requirement
• Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches/50 centimeters or less)
• Distance Vision (clear vision at 20 feet/6 meters or more)
• Peripheral Vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given post)
• Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and three-dimensional relationship)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
• Ability to see color

AUDITORY REQUIREMENTS

• No special auditory requirements

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT

• Fit for Duty Medical – general physical and questionnaire related to physical efforts of job Required
• Accountable for the Health, Safety and Environment performance of self and colleagues and adherence to all regulations as per the Company Health and Safety Manual and the immediate reporting of any health, safety or environmental incidents, accidents, concerns or hazards to the Manager / Supervisor and H&S representative for action. Required
• Demonstrates good and safe work habits and enforces a clean working environment. Required
• Adheres to all safety management system (OIMS) and quality management system (QMS) training, policies and procedures, including manuals, test procedures, work instructions and the monitoring and/or verification of equipment and processes relating to testing activities. Required
• Knowledge of good laboratory practices, ex. Health & Safety, working with acids and other
• harmful reagents. (only include this line if it is required for the position) Required

DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND IMPAIRMENT PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS – AS PER OI POLICY
Non-Sensitive - work includes all work not classified as Safety-Sensitive or Risk-Sensitive. Position is subject to post incident and reasonable cause testing.

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back.  Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.