Laboratory Supervisor – Geochemistry / Mineral Laboratory

Company Description

SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, with over 99,000 employees operating across more than 100 countries. At SGS, we are committed to enabling a better, safer, and more connected world through excellence, innovation, and trust.

Job Description

As a Laboratory Supervisor, you will oversee daily laboratory operations across Sample Preparation, Fire Assay and Wet Chemistry/Instrumental sections. You will coordinate laboratory personnel, manage workflows and provide technical guidance to ensure accurate results, efficient operations and timely delivery in line with SGS standards and applicable ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

This role requires strong practical knowledge of laboratory processes, particularly Wet Chemistry, along with the ability to guide a team and maintain high standards of safety, quality and productivity.

Laboratory Operations and Supervision

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities across Sample Preparation, Fire Assay and Wet Chemistry/Instrumental sections.
• Allocate workload, personnel and resources to meet production targets and customer turnaround times.
• Provide hands-on technical support and guidance to Chemists, Technicians and other laboratory personnel, with particular focus on Wet Chemistry operations.
• Oversee sample digestion, solution and reagent preparation, dilutions and related analytical processes.
• Monitor laboratory workflow and address operational challenges, escalating significant technical or production issues to the Senior Chemist or Assistant Laboratory Manager.
• Support the training, guidance and competency development of laboratory personnel.

Technical Operations and Equipment

• Ensure analytical methods, approved procedures and work instructions are followed consistently.
• Support the operation and routine troubleshooting of laboratory instruments, including AAS, ICP, UV and XRF.
• Ensure equipment checks, calibration/verification and routine maintenance are completed and documented.
• Ensure reagents, solutions, standards and reference materials are correctly prepared, labelled, stored and controlled.
• Monitor analytical results and quality-control data, identify deviations and escalate significant abnormalities for investigation.

Quality, Safety and Compliance

• Support the implementation and maintenance of the laboratory Quality Management System in line with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, worksheets, technical documentation and document-control practices.
• Ensure QC deviations and non-conformities are recorded, investigated and followed up appropriately.
• Follow SGS QHSE requirements, ensure the correct use of PPE and maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping.
• Promptly report incidents, accidents and unsafe conditions, and stop or hold activities where immediate safety or quality concerns arise.
• Participate in audits, corrective actions and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Inventory and Administration

• Monitor stocks of reagents, standards, consumables and other laboratory materials, ensuring timely communication of replenishment requirements.
• Support laboratory inventory control and verification of received materials.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) effectively for sample tracking, workflow management, result entry/review and laboratory records.
• Maintain effective communication with the Senior Chemist, laboratory management, team members and relevant support functions regarding operational and personnel matters.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry, Metallurgy or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a mineral, geochemistry or analytical laboratory environment.
• Practical experience across Sample Preparation, Fire Assay and Wet Chemistry operations.
• Strong hands-on experience in Wet Chemistry, including sample digestion, reagent preparation, dilutions and related laboratory processes.
• Experience operating analytical instruments such as AAS, ICP, UV and XRF, or equivalent laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience using LIMS for sample tracking, workflow and result management.
• Previous experience supervising or coordinating laboratory personnel and production activities is preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Good understanding of laboratory workflows, analytical techniques and quality-control procedures.
• Practical ability to operate and perform routine troubleshooting of relevant laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of equipment calibration/verification, maintenance records and laboratory documentation.
• Understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 and laboratory quality management requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities, coordinate resources and work effectively under pressure.
• Commitment to quality, safety, ethics and integrity.

Additional Information

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be expected to perform the essential duties of the role in accordance with SGS policies, procedures and operational requirements. Responsibilities may be adjusted to meet business needs.

Interested in joining SGS?

If you have the required laboratory experience, strong technical knowledge and the ability to lead day-to-day laboratory operations, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team.