Production Planning Manager / 2IC

• Plan and prioritize a production schedule for the jobs/projects in according with lab capability and client requirements.
• Implement and control the production schedule.
• Review and adjust the schedule where needed.
• Where possible, do forecasting and planning for upcoming projects or changes in scope for existing projects. Communicate these finding to senior management team.
• Ensure efficient collaboration and co-ordination between relevant departments including procurement, human resources and management.
• In conjunction with Section Manager and/or Laboratory Manager:

• Formulate changes, improve workflow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
• Monitor effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department/s, including training, recruitment and discipline.
• Assist with decisions making about equipment use, maintenance, modification and procurement to ensure production targets can be met.

• Direct communication with clients daily on:

• Status updates on new and existing projects.
• Re-negotiating timelines or schedules as necessary.

• Prepare and maintain production reports
• Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets
• Ensure implementation and adherence to health and safety procedures
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

• Minimum BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or at least 10 years' experience in an Analytical Lab.
• Minimum of 5 years' solid management experience,
• Qualification in Business improvement initiatives will be an added advantage.

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Familiar with SGS analytical practices
• Minimum 5 years' experience in customer relationship management
• Strong knowledge of SLIM
• Previous experience in production planning will be an added advantage.
• Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements

• Good co- ordination and proven management skills.
• Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications.
• Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.
• Possesses excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills - Must be fluent in English.
• Possesses strong teamwork and project management skills.
• Results oriented with a strong performance, cost management, and bottom-line orientation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to depersonalize situations and focus on the business objectives.
• Energy to motivate a team to always deliver results;
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously;
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving;
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls;
• Holds self and others accountable

• Utilize company resources in accordance with SGS procedures.
• Initiate changes on material and human resources, where and when needed to ensure production targets are met.
• Liaise directly with clients on status of projects, methods, queries, complaints and costs
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry out work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Implementation and maintenance of the quality system.

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