Job Description

Head of Laboratory

Olifantsfontein

Salary: R80,000 to R100,000 per month

Mining & Laboratory Services Industry

Lead a High-Performing Mining Laboratory

A well-established laboratory servicing the mining and mineral processing sector is seeking an experienced Head of Laboratory to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and technical direction across all laboratory functions.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a highly experienced laboratory professional with a strong scientific background and proven success managing laboratory operations within mining, metallurgical, mineral processing, or analytical testing environments.

Key Responsibilities

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  Lead and manage all laboratory operations and functions.
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  Oversee laboratory managers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
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  Ensure compliance with quality management systems, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
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  Drive operational excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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  Manage laboratory budgets, resources, and strategic planning activities.
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  Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of analytical results.
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  Develop and implement laboratory strategies aligned to business objectives.
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  Maintain strong client relationships and ensure exceptional service delivery.
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  Lead accreditation, audit, and compliance processes.
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  Mentor, develop, and build high-performing laboratory teams.

Minimum Requirements

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  Degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Geology, Mineral Sciences, or a related scientific field.
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  Postgraduate qualification advantageous.
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  Minimum 8–10 years' laboratory experience.
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  Minimum 5 years' management experience within a laboratory environment.
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  Essential experience within mining, mineral processing, analytical testing, or metallurgical laboratories.
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  Strong understanding of ISO quality standards and laboratory accreditation requirements.
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  Proven leadership, management, and strategic planning capabilities.

Key Competencies

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  Laboratory Operations Management
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  Leadership & Team Development
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  Quality Management Systems
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  Technical & Scientific Oversight
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  Budget & Resource Management
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  Operational Excellence
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  Client Relationship Management
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  Strategic Planning
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  Continuous Improvement
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  Regulatory Compliance

If you have the leadership, technical expertise, and mining laboratory experience to lead a high-performing operation, we would like to hear from you.

Apply directly via:

www.sassoconsulting.co.za/jobs

Only candidates with relevant mining laboratory management experience will be considered.