Technical Specialist

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.

Main Purpose of the Job

The Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing support to the overall operations of the Johannesburg Hub Laboratory. Responsibilities include oversight of all relevant technical functions in the ICP-AES, XRF, Leco, AAS, Wet Chemistry (weighing & digestion), High Grade Specialty departments to ensure operational functionality and efficiency. The role includes providing support that is strategically aligned with the business to continuously improve service delivery to its clients

Position in the Organisation

The Technical Specialist will be based in the Johannesburg Hub Laboratory in Johannesburg and will report to the Laboratory Manager

Scope of the Job

Compliance

• Practice the ALS Health and Safety Foundation Standards and implement further measures for continuous improvement in ensuring a safe work environment in the Technical section as well as the laboratory facility overall
• Practice the ALS company core values
• Abide by the ALS company policies and procedures
• 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
• Ensuring the section’s readiness for internal as well as external audits

Strategic objectives

• Align projected technical objectives which are aligned to the business strategy
• Research and keeping abreast with new technology, trends and changes within the industry. Anticipate operational needs accordingly.
• Monthly reports including, but not limited to, the priority and progress of method validations, extension of analytical scope, client incident resolution metrics, laboratory KQI’s, client complaints and trends, trouble shooting – method performance issues.
• Present to and consult with management on departmental challenges and market trends.
• Provide support in sound cost saving initiatives within the laboratory to ensure financial sustainability.

Technical support

• Timeously monitoring, controlling, and periodic reporting of the technical issues encountered in the laboratory’s operational KPI’s against set targets within the respective lab departments
• Ensure complete alignment of technical requirements with those of the Johannesburg facility’s operational KPI’s.
• Provide technical support to the laboratory in meeting service delivery targets against industry demands i.e. quality and turnaround time, as well as contractual agreements with respective ALS clients
• Responsible for root cause investigation and problem solving initiatives pertaining to quality issues. Timeous reporting of quality incidents and feedback to all the relevant stakeholders i.e. QC department, laboratory management and clients.
• Define, plan, and oversee sound system changes and improvement projects periodically to facilitate continuous operational improvement
• Commission and validate new methods method maintenance strategies.
• Review analytical service offerings against industry demand and initiate applications in accordance with global ALS benchmarks and protocols.
• Participate actively in production meetings and appropriate forums to ensure technical and quality objectives are met and consistent with operational objectives across the entire laboratory.
• In consultation with the facilities line management, perform all other reasonable duties that may add value to the company’s overall objectives.

Human Resource

• Evaluate, motivate, and develop laboratory staff through appropriate training and technical support to achieve optimal performance levels.
• Perform a gap analysis on the laboratory staff’s technical skills levels to ensure optimal resource availability
• When necessary, periodically assist in a regional capacity with technical support, staff training, and relevant operational issues within the Sub-Sahara region.
• Support with inter-departmental skills development initiatives across different laboratory sections to ensure multi-skilling and cross functionality of operational staff
• Ensure that all technical requirements are being implemented, adhered to, and appropriate disciplinary measures instituted against violations of technical compliance.

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

Competencies required for the role are as follows:

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, planning and communication skills
• 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

• Strategic planning/thinking and implementation abilities
• Sound decision making skills and is a problem solver;
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Attention to detail, accuracy 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
• Proven track record of management skills;
• Able to anticipate needs and must be responsive to enquiries
• Facilitates a team-oriented approach at organizational level

Qualifications

• A bachelor level tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Science/Instrumentation. BSc Honours in Chemistry would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a supervisory role in ICP-AES, ICP-MS, XRF, Leco, AAS, Wet chemistry, HG Specialty
• Proven track record in a commercial analytical laboratory or related industry / environment
• Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation system.
• Advance Microsoft skills including MS Excel, MS Word, MS Office and MS PowerPoint
• Will be expected to travel as needed to regions.

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.

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a resume & cover letter that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.