Operations Manager, Minerals

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

The Operations Manager is accountable for managing all aspects of the commercial geochemistry laboratory operation and for ensuring that the Regional Business Manager (RBM) is kept current and informed on all aspects of the laboratory that have any direct or indirect impact on: Environment, Health and Safety (prevents accidents, incidents, perceived or actual H&S concerns) Embrace the Health, Safety & Environment "Journey to Zero" Plan by effective communications and holding accountability. Participate in the completion of Management Action Report Card responsibilities, which measures leading HSE indicators to proactively manage Health & Safety. Accountability for compliance to local and provincial Environmental regulations for air, waste, water, and soil. Quality (client complaints, data, personnel performance, turnaround, equipment) Client Satisfaction (meeting external and internal customer expectations from a service, quality and turnaround perspective) Accountable for the Health, Safety and Environment of all site personnel, the enforcement of all regulations as per the Company Health and Safety Manual, and the immediate reporting of any health, safety or environmental incidents, accidents or concerns to the Manager, H&S. Monitors and checks for completion of all daily H&S checks, monthly H&S meetings. Emergency protocol and any incident/accident reports. Demonstrates good and safe work habits and enforces a clean working environment. Responsible for notifying emergency personnel, if required, and is familiar with location of emergency equipment, supplies and information. Maintains current certification in Basic First Aid and CPR. Complies and ensures that all work follows Quality systems and that quality targets are maintained. Accountable for ensuring that the quality of data, current methodologies and the execution of the methods are in compliance with the current accreditation under ISO 17025 (CAN-P-40). Accountable for ensuring that an appropriate and planned training program is executed and measured for all personnel under direction. This includes quality system awareness, continuous technical improvement and personnel performance reviews. Identification and training of potential back up is essential. Ensures the maintenance of documentation as required by the quality system. Accountable for familiarizing oneself with the Quality Manual and ensuring appropriate documentation is current and reliable. Accountable for ensuring an optimal level of quality supplies is maintained. Accountable for the delivery of data to achieve Client Satisfaction by maintaining production, specified turnaround and financial targets. Monitors production of each department and ensures optimum staff levels/shifts to achieve SGS-LR standards for production, quality and financial performance. Monitors throughput and performance. Manages supplies to achieve optimum production and cost effectiveness. Adheres strictly to annual budgets and plans accordingly. Monitors man-hours and approves overtime accordingly, adding additional staff only where workload and financial performance can support it. Monitors and reports weekly production status (# samples processed/personnel). Maintains production targets and takes proactive measures to sustain these targets. Reviews all Cap-Ex requisitions prior to submitting to the Regional Business Manager. Provides authoritative opinions in their area of expertise and finds new and innovative ways of improving production efficiencies. Works toward continuous improvement in production and efficiency, delivery of quality data promptly, adhering to predetermined schedules. Managing production by providing client services and internal operations with scheduling of sample analysis and accurate information on completion dates to meet client satisfaction. Responsible for approvals and consumables management & timely ordering of supplies. General technical accountabilities include assisting client services or management with RFQ/RFP’s, as well as providing technical direction to client services. Working through his/her supervisors, solves day-to-day production and process problems, providing technical and operational leadership and guidance to all staff. Promotes a team environment among staff. Ensures the training needs of staff are met and maintains a motivated workforce. Sets goals, reviews employee job performance, and assesses training needs at least once annually. Acts with professionalism at all times when representing the business to clients, peers and employees. Ensures that company policies are followed and understood by all lab personnel. Travel, off-site consulting, ad hoc projects and extended hours may be required.

University degree in a Science related program with a strong preference in Geochemistry or a related field is required. Minimum of 5 - 8 years experience in a minerals laboratory environment. Expert working knowledge of the mining and minerals industry. Expert working knowledge on fire assay equipment. Strong leadership and management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and manage people. Superior organizational, communication and interpersonal skills are essential. A sense of diplomacy and networking skills are essential to build relationships with external clients as well as key internal personnel. Previous experience providing client services is an asset. Excellent customer service, client support, and business service consulting skills. Must be able to read, understand and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate and timely manner. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel. PowerPoint, Outlook). A solid understanding of MS Project Management and Oracle applications would also be an asset. Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment. Ability to work well with others & independently. Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail. Works well under pressure. Ensures full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies. Must be able to read, understand and follow work instructions in a safe, accurate and timely manner. Candidates must be proficient in using various types of computer software (Word, Excel. PowerPoint & Outlook). Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment. Candidates must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills including grammar and composition. Ability to work well with others & independently. Proven time management skills and a strong attention to detail. Works well under pressure. Extended hours and shift work may be required from time to time. Travel to other SGS locations or client location may be required from time to time. Ensures full compliance with the company’s Health & Safety, Code of Integrity, and Professional Conduct policies. Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment.

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and Indigenous status, or any other characteristics protected by law. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Accommodations are available on request for qualified candidates during each stage of the recruitment process. Please note that candidates applying for Canadian job openings should be authorized to work in Canada.