Instrumentation Shift Team Leader

Shift Team Leader - Instrumentation

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Employment Type

Full-Time | Shift-Based

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Shift Team Leader - Instrumentation to join our laboratory operations team. This position is responsible for leading a team of instrumentation technicians and operators while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across a range of analytical instrumentation platforms, including ICP, AAS, ICP-MS, XRF, and LECO systems, while driving turnaround times, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and supervise instrumentation staff during assigned shifts.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environment (HSE), Quality Control (QC), and company policies.
• Organise workloads according to production demands and turnaround time requirements.
• Manage shift schedules, timesheets, training records, and team performance.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift inspections and address operational non-conformances.
• Support disciplinary processes and maintain effective team communication.

Technical & Laboratory Management

• Provide technical expertise across ICP, AAS, ICP-MS, XRF, and LECO instrumentation.
• Approve analytical runs and ensure timely release of accurate results.
• Investigate QC issues, turnaround time delays, and instrument performance concerns.
• Assist with method validation, continuous improvement projects, and implementation of new procedures.
• Coordinate maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair activities.
• Monitor instrument performance and ensure all maintenance documentation is current.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to laboratory quality standards and accreditation requirements.
• Review QC charts and performance trends.
• Assist with non-conformance investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, calibration, training, and stock control.
• Ensure proper sample traceability and data integrity throughout the analytical process.

Inventory & Resource Management

• Monitor consumable usage and maintain minimum stock levels.
• Assist with procurement planning and inventory management.
• Coordinate equipment downtime and maintenance scheduling to minimise operational disruptions.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Instrumentation, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' laboratory experience within an analytical or commercial laboratory environment.
• Proven experience operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation including ICP, AAS, ICP-MS, XRF, and/or LECO systems.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience will be advantageous.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of laboratory quality systems and QC processes.
• Experience with instrument calibration, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems and sample tracking processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.