LABORATORY MANAGER

Midrand, South Africa

Who We Are
 At L’Oréal, we're not just about beauty products; we're about empowering people to embrace their own unique beauty and change the world. For over a century, our passion for innovation has fuelled our mission to offer every individual the best in beauty. We're a company driven by creativity, a pioneering spirit, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Reporting to: QUALITY MANAGER

A Day in the Life
 Ready to make your mark on the Quality team of a global beauty leader? As a Lab Manager, you'll be at the forefront of ensuring the highest standards of quality for our products. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Strategic Partner: Collaborate closely with the Quality Manager and production teams to ensure seamless quality control operations that align with business objectives.
• Team Leader: Manage, mentor, and motivate a team of laboratory technicians, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Quality Champion: Uphold the highest standards of quality control throughout all laboratory processes, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Problem Solver: Lead troubleshooting efforts, investigate non-conformances, and implement corrective actions to maintain product integrity and prevent future issues.
• Data Analyst: Analyze data, identify trends, and generate reports to monitor performance, drive continuous improvement, and support informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all aspects of the Quality Control laboratory.
• Manage laboratory staff to ensure optimum output.
• Manage training and competence of lab staff to promote growth and improve skill level.
• Manage work flow and planning of all laboratory activities with the help of tools such as 5S and OPTILaB.
• Control product release and final decision making.
• Oversee troubleshooting and problem resolution including: NCs; OOS and audits.
• Prepare and analyze relevant data and communicate as required.
• Liaise with suppliers where necessary.
• Manage lab purchases where necessary.
• Owner of lab related methods; specs; SOPs and records.
• Involved in audits as required.
• Bulk – troubleshooting to look at the possible cause of non-conformity prior to adjustment/rework or rejection. A waiver could also be requested if the proposal is justified.
• Components – Perform re-enforced sampling & testing if necessary. Make a decision whether to reject. A decision can be made to ask for a possible marketing/technical waiver based on constraints to production and level of quality of the component.
• Finished Goods - Perform re-enforced sampling & testing. A decision has to be made whether to rework, reject or ask for a waiver. A decision to ask for a waiver can be made if it does not compromise the quality of the product that will be sent to the market.
• Manage all aspects of the equipment in the lab.
• Manage payroll activities.
• Drive continuous improvement opportunities in the lab.
• Involved in ad-hoc projects as directed and agreed with the Quality Manager.

Your Future Team
 Get ready to join a dynamic and supportive Quality team that's passionate about upholding the highest standards in everything we do! We value collaboration, celebrate each other's successes, and are always striving to learn and grow together.

Who You Are
 Are you a results-oriented leader with a passion for ensuring quality and driving continuous improvement? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your expertise can make a real impact? If so, we want you on our team! Here's what we're looking for:

• Analytical Thinker: You possess a sharp mind for analyzing data, identifying trends, and drawing meaningful insights to solve problems and drive improvements.
• Process-Oriented: You have a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of quality systems, and a passion for ensuring processes are efficient, effective, and compliant.
• Team Leader: You inspire and motivate your team, fostering a culture of collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Communication Expert: You communicate clearly and effectively at all levels, ensuring information is understood and everyone is aligned on quality objectives.
• Continuous Improvement Champion: You're passionate about identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing solutions, and raising the bar for quality.

Competencies, Requirements and Skills

• Analytical person who works systematically and has good organization skills.
• Ability to develop and analyse trend data.
• Good investigative skills for troubleshooting and willing and able to think “out the box”.
• Ability to communicate well in writing, specifically in technical report writing and procedure writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing at various levels on technical and training issues, so that the message is clear, with an ability to influence people in quality related matters.
• Ability to lead a multi-disciplined team.
• High level of integrity and responsibility.
• Decision making.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Proficient in a big variety of lab testing equipment.
• Good understanding of quality system principles.
• Good understanding of manufacturing and production processes.

Education and Experience

• Tertiary education with scientific qualification (Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological sciences, Etc.)
• Minimum of 5 years in a FMCG/ Pharma environment or related environment with exposure to Lab techniques. Exposure to all aspects in a production environment is highly advantageous.
• Management experience Essential.
• Demonstrated computer skills specifically MS Excel, including basic data management and analysis and ability to design these tools where necessary.
• Understanding of Quality systems such as ISO9001; GMP or HACCP is required.

What We Offer
 At L'Oréal, we believe in rewarding and recognizing the contributions of our people. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, exciting opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and to advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio - economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.

If you're ready to shape the future of beauty with a company that values your expertise and empowers you to make a difference, apply now!