Job Description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• It is essential to have a Masters' Degree in Chemistry or related
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a chemical manufacturing environment within a similar role
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in managing a team
• Must have worked on a GC-MS and/or LC-MS
• Good understanding of extraction methods and derivatization techniques is essential
• Published scientific peer review papers will be advantageous
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to work independently as a self-starter
• Must have a valid driver's license and be willing to travel when required

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Ensuring Health and Safety and ISO 9001 responsibilities, procedures, and protocols are being followed and reported on when necessary.
• Managing all day-to-day operations of the QC laboratory, including sample collection, analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Overseeing the testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products according to approved methods and SOPs.
• Ensuring that laboratory data is being accurately recorded, validated, and retained per applicable quality standards.
• Performing HAZOPs as required for any changes, new chemicals, or processes.
• Overseeing the QC of the product manufacturing process on Cape Town, Gansbaai, and USA sites and immediately reporting variances.
• Managing annual budgeting and expense management for laboratory and external samples and preparing report writing.
• Performing any other ad hoc duties as and when required.
• Supervising and mentoring a team of laboratory technicians, analysts, and chemists.
• Conducting training on analytical techniques, safety protocols, and quality systems.
• Coordinating work allocation, performance appraisals, and development plans for lab personnel.
• Overseeing calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments (with HPLC and bioassay experience being beneficial).
• Approving and validating new test methods or modifications to existing methods in collaboration with R&D or external labs.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, Ecocert, or other relevant standards.
• Maintaining and auditing laboratory records, test reports, control charts, and Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).
• Generating product safety data sheets.
• Leading internal audits and supporting external regulatory inspections and client audits.
• Reviewing, updating, and validating all quality and laboratory-related SOPs.
• Identifying quality risks and implementing CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions).
• Supporting root cause analysis and quality investigations in collaboration with production and QA teams.
• Driving improvements in laboratory and production efficiency, testing accuracy, and turnaround times.
• Managing process improvement and out-of-specification stock.
• Ensuring sufficient safety stock is passing through QC to meet production demands.
• Improving formulations.
• Improving shelf life.
• Preparing customer samples.
• Collaborating with the commercial team and reporting technical findings to customers.
• Collaborating with external parties, universities, and institutes.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into only with the shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive any feedback from us within 2 weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.