The Cane Testing Service provides an analytical chemistry service aimed at enhancing the profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness of the South African sugar industry. To learn more about this dynamic division, please visit www.sasa.org.za and click on Divisions of SASA.
The primary accountability of the Laboratory Manager (internally titled ‘Cane Testing Manager’) is to ensure performance within the Cane Testing laboratory and its resources, and to develop a robust environment within which the Cane Testing laboratory will remain sustainable.
Your performance will be measured in terms of the overall efficiency and sustainability of the Cane Testing laboratory and the growth of employees, as well as the following:
• Maintaining a positive image of the organization and promoting the services of the Cane Testing Service laboratory;
• Through sound applications, managing the quality assurance processes and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with approved test methodology and the principles of Good Laboratory Practice;
• Managing customer queries and implementing approved adjustments through a systematic approach and with clear resolution within the required timelines;;
• Accountability for Health & Safety procedures and protocols and ensuring that these are adopted and implemented in the department and communicated effectively to all laboratory employees;
• Review and implement approved change to standard operating procedures in order to ensure that the laboratory is constantly able to provide a high quality, cost effective and safe service ;
• Oversee asset management and procurement of goods to ensure the most effective utilization of resources;
• Generate management reports as required to monitor work and performance status of the laboratory;
• Contribute to the development of an annual operational budget, and monitor and control expenses against budget in order to control costs and maximise the cost effectiveness of the laboratory;
• Plan and manage the activities of employees to ensure they achieve their performance objectives and ensure the most optimal utilisation of available resources.
Key competency requirements include:
• Minimum B.Sc (Chemistry)/B.Sc Hons combined with 3yrs relevant management experience;
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills ;
• Solid understanding of finance and general management;
• Attention to detail and an ability to work under pressure.
Applicants would need to be South African nationals with no impairment to their credit or criminal record and demonstration of an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development would be advantageous.
We recognise that there may be highly-suited candidates for this position who do not have past experience in the agricultural sector, and are well positioned to assist well-qualified applicants with the transition into our industry.
Application procedures
Only applications submitted through our online job portal will be considered. To enter the portal, please visit the SASA website, careers page and point to “Click here to apply for any of the positions listed on the left” to enter the portal. Please feel welcome to provide comprehensive information when making your submission as this will assist our short-listing process. Please ensure that you provide us with an indication of your current total guaranteed remuneration package and any variable benefits.
We will contact applicants who appear to best fit our requirements with a request that they provide a more detailed CV and furnish us with copies of their academic record. If you do not have a copy of your academic transcript please could we suggest that you contact your university to obtain this.
SASA follows a comprehensive recruitment process that includes the formal assessment of cognitive abilities and preferred behavioural styles, undertaken by an internationally acknowledged organisation in such assessments.