Laboratory development manager - IQ Talent Marketplace

RSK has been operating in the Middle East since 2007 and, within this time, have established ourselves as a premier provider of environmental, geotechnical, geo-environmental and health and safety consultancy and technical services in the region. Across all sectors, we have developed a strong philosophy of collaborative working within alliances and other project teams and have implemented innovative systems and techniques to drive environmental excellence and wider project efficiency.

Over the last decade, RSK’s footprint in Iraq has grown from being a small team to a large, multidisciplinary geo-environmental and technical services operation supported by a wide range of equipment and an internationally accredited laboratory. We have invested heavily in Iraq so that we can support the oil & gas and emerging renewable industries, and other clients, manage their environmental obligations in the most sustainable way possible.

Laboratory development manager – Basra, Iraq

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced laboratory development manager for the RSK Iraq Laboratory, an integrated organic and inorganic environmental and geotechnical laboratory at its facility in Al Majal Business Park, Burjessia, Basra, Iraq. The ideal candidate will likely major in the environmental analyses techniques but with significant experience managing and developing geo-environmental laboratories, understand the requirements of an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and be familiar with auditing requirements.

The successful candidate’s duties and responsibilities will include:

Quality Management

• Operate the laboratory as defined in the laboratory Quality Manual
• Review and update Quality Control charts
• Manage External Audits
• Carry out and manage Internal Audits
• Proficiency Testing scheme management
• Ensure all Anomaly Forms, Audit actions and Proficiency Testing scheme investigations are completed by the required due date
• Ensure all equipment Calibrations and Checks are completed and appropriate records updated by the required due date
• Coordinate method improvement and validation projects

Workload Management

• Keen understanding of analytical instrumentation, including GC and ICP
• Manage utilisation of staff so that agreed targets are achieved
• Motivate staff to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity
• Be hands on with laboratory work
• Manage the resolution of equipment/instrument problems to minimise downtime
• Manage consumables to maintain agreed stock levels

SHE Management

• Ensure staff have access to and wear appropriate PPE
• Be responsible for and maintain a high standard of housekeeping
• Encourage a safe, professional and accountable environment

Staff Management

• Carry out annual PDRs for your team and hold regular reviews to ensure SMART targets are met
• Chair and Minute Quarterly Team Meetings
• Induction of new staff
• Approve and manage staff holidays so that capacity is maximised
• Manage staff absence and timekeeping
• Proactively manage recruitment when team roles are vacant

Training Management

• Manage a training plan to achieve agreed minimum number of staff trained in each Instrument/Procedure
• Maintain appropriate records of staff training

The above responsibilities cover those technical skills that are key to meeting the goals of the business and are not exhaustive. It is also expected that the successful candidate will work closely with the RSK Iraq managing director on the commercial performance and from who he/she will receive full support in business development for the laboratory.

Person specification:

• BSc chemistry, environmental science or biology
• At least 5 years’ working experience in an environmental or chemical laboratory in a supervisory role
• Thorough knowledge of local and international standards and regulations (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025)
• Experienced user of complex laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting and maintenance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to lead and direct others
• Organised and methodical approach
• Able to work in a busy environment, ability to work to tight deadlines
• Strong team player
• Willingness to work a 6: 2 rotation pattern (6 weeks in Iraq: 2 weeks off in home country)

Salary and benefits:

• This is a full-time post with a salary commensurate with experience
• Regular training and development will be provided

We operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation. This also enables us to achieve a staff turnover rate that’s consistently below the industry average. Adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities for all.

All candidates applying for this position must be eligible for work in Iraq.

RSK is committed to its corporate responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote corporate responsibility throughout our supply chain.

To see further career opportunities with RSK Group, visit our website www.rskgroup.com