Laboratory Supervisor

Position Summary

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, ensuring that all testing activities are conducted safely, accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Company procedures, client requirements, and applicable international standards. The role includes supervising laboratory personnel, maintaining quality systems, ensuring equipment reliability, and delivering timely and accurate test results to support the Company’s inspection and testing services.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Supervise and coordinate daily laboratory activities and testing operations.
• Ensure all samples are received, handled, tested, and reported in accordance with approved procedures and industry standards.
• Monitor laboratory workflow to ensure timely completion of analyses and reporting of results.
• Review and validate test data prior to release.
• Ensure laboratory operations meet client expectations and contractual requirements.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, Company Quality Management Systems, and applicable industry standards.
• Maintain laboratory records, documentation, and quality control data.
• Participate in internal and external audits and accreditation assessments.
• Investigate non-conformities and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure laboratory procedures, work instructions, and methods remain current and effective.

Personnel Supervision:

• Supervise, mentor, and support laboratory analysts and technicians.
• Allocate work assignments and monitor staff performance.
• Conduct training and competency assessments for laboratory personnel.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assist in recruitment, onboarding, and development of laboratory staff.

Equipment & Laboratory Maintenance:

• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and verified.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and equipment servicing activities.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and ensure adequate stock levels of chemicals, consumables, and reference materials.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of laboratory reagents and samples.

Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE):

• Ensure compliance with Company HSSE policies and laboratory safety procedures.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety inspections.
• Report and investigate incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

Technical Support:

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to laboratory personnel.
• Review testing methodologies and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Assist in the implementation of new testing methods, technologies, and laboratory capabilities.
• Support client inquiries related to laboratory testing and analytical results.

Reporting:

• Prepare laboratory performance reports, quality reports, and operational summaries.
• Monitor laboratory KPIs and recommend improvements to efficiency and service quality.
• Ensure accurate and timely communication of laboratory results and operational updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Additional laboratory or quality management certifications are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of laboratory experience within the oil & gas, petroleum, petrochemical, inspection, or testing industry.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a laboratory environment.
• Experience working under ISO 17025 accreditation requirements.
• Strong knowledge of petroleum testing methods and laboratory quality systems.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of petroleum and petrochemical testing procedures.
• Thorough understanding of ASTM, IP, UOP, ISO, and other relevant testing standards.
• Familiarity with laboratory accreditation and quality management systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Technical Expertise
• Quality Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Safety Awareness
• Planning & Organization
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement

Working Conditions

The role is primarily laboratory-based and may require occasional travel to client sites, terminals, refineries, storage facilities, and operational locations as required by business needs.

To apply: Please send your CV to HR.Africa@amspecgroup.com.