Directeur de laboratoire/Laboratory Manager

Job Title: Laboratory Manager

Location: Morocco Mine site

Business Unit: Geochemistry

Main Purpose of the Job

The Laboratory Manager will be based in the mine site camp, located south of Marrakesh (close to Askaoun, Taroudant region) and reporting to the General Manager – North Africa. This position is responsible for the mine site laboratory operated by ALS Geochemistry. The Laboratory Manager will provide leadership in technical, quality, and operational aspects, as well as provide direction and support to the management staff.

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's core values
* Abide by the ALS corporate and local company policies and procedures
* Update and maintain the compliance portal on incidents for your site
* Abide by local legislative requirements at all times
* Compliance with the ALS Quality Management System
* Responsible for ensuring ALS quality protocols are adhered to, and quality targets are 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 the above areas

Efficient and Effective Operations

* Facilitate weekly toolbox 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 meet the requirements.
* Replenish consumables, coordinate equipment repair/maintenance
* Liaise with clients in Morocco 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, timesheet, and other required reports
* Ensure that analyses are done according to ALS documented procedures and standards
* Provide oversight for the maintenance and establishment of QC programs and ISO accreditation preparation
* Provide oversight for Incident/accident logging, investigation, and closure in the 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 the 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 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 redeployment.
* Ensure that all company policies are being implemented, adhered to, and that appropriate disciplinary measures are 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 solving and preventive measures skills
* Demonstrates accountability and is a team player
* Ability to investigate, resolve, and respond to queries
* Inspires and drives excellence in all aspects of work
* Interact and communicate respectfully, 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 working under pressure
* Ability to multitask and meet challenging deadlines
* Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, within all levels of ALS and with the clients
* Advanced network and client relationship-building skills
* Knowledge of spectroscopy techniques, Fire assay, sample preparation, etc.

Qualifications:

* A Minimum of a Chemistry/Science/Geology/Engineering degree
* 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