Laboratory Supervisor at British American Tobacco

Job Number: 1404
Location: Ibadan
Function: Operations
Level: Non-management
Appointment Type: Permanent

Job Description

• As a Chemical Laboratory Supervisor, you will have a vital role to play in continually evaluating and monitoring product quality to ensure product specification is maintained and compliance to established Regulations which are increasingly evolving. This will require proactiveness in identifying any method obsolescence and escalating any non-conformance for management decision making.
• There will be the expectance to support the Factory Quality Assurance Manager in ensuring that the relevant Global Analytical Methodologies, ISO Standards and BAT procedures are properly applied in the analysis of tobacco, tobacco smoke and non-tobacco materials used in the construction and packaging of cigarettes.
• Offering support to the the manager in maintaining a multi-skilled, well-trained work-group within the laboratory is a must. You will at all times strive to maintain the Highest Standard of Operation as demanded by the company.

Principal Accountabilities
Business:

• To develop, implement and maintain procedures, test methods, calibration and maintenance in compliance with ISO and Global Analytical requirements.
• Lead work of routine chemical analyses, requested researches, Global Proficiencies studies and Regional cross-checks according to BAT Standards.
• Provide information or conduct monthly meetings with Product Improvement, Quality Assurance to discuss compliance of smoking characteristics of a product to requirements of the specification and the legislation.
• Ensure compliance with BAT EHS guidelines for all departmental representatives engaged in all laboratory activities.
• Ensure operational ability of chemical laboratory and that all Laboratory equipment (Linear Smoke Machine, Gas Chromatograph, Continuous Flow Analyzer and Reference Standards) are calibrated, maintained and used in a proper manner - daily & monthly.
• Ensure control of records, including hardcopies available, and that all non-conforming results are properly investigated and communicated.
• Carry out revision of procedures, methods, instructions, to assure correctness of their application on a regular basis.
• Effectively elaborate laboratory budgets and manage the Chemical Lab’s chemicals and consumables.
• Produce and provide accurate, timely and error-free information on laboratory data, and play an advisory role to the Quality function.
• Responsible to perform assigned functions.
• Authorize to operate assigned equipment and to perform assigned tests.
• Responsible to perform Calibration and Verification activities on assigned equipment, for planning laboratory testing and to adhere to all Policies, Procedures, Work Instructions and Testing methods at all times.
• Authorize to initiate logging of non-conformance according to procedure, to assist with method modification, development and validation of new methods and to stop their work if an unsafe or non-standard condition is detected and to inform Management immediately.
• Authorize to initiate a Preventive Action request.
• Responsible to identify areas of improvement, provide trouble shooting for analysis performed, maintain Client and laboratory confidentiality, incoming inspection of purchased item, adhere to all Statutory and Regulatory requirements and to identify & initiate corrective and preventive action.
• Coordinate all environmental management system activities in your section and ensure proper aspect and impact analysis to support its sustenance.

Leadership:

• Maintain a professional and well-motivated team, ensuring appropriate training and development for employees with regular performance discussions.
• Provide expert assistance during the periodic servicing of laboratory equipment and the execution of repairs as required.
• Regularly holds meetings with team members to communicate product delivery performance and track corrective and improvement plan from various studies and cross-checks.
• Plan and co-ordinate annual maintenance, servicing and calibration of laboratory equipment and kits.
• Effectively manages laboratory expenditure and assets within the agreed budget.
• Support the implementation of quality systems which comply with the International Standards Organization Quality Management Systems.
• Keeps teams focused on key priorities; sets daily activities to ensure things happen as planned to achieve objectives.
• Manage processes of certification and standardization together with external certifying bodies within chemical laboratory.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships within Quality Assurance Department, BAT Regional Laboratories and R&D with understanding of legislative requirements within WAA.
• Creates a climate of teamwork within the Laboratory team to motivate and guide subordinates.
• Keeping abreast of developments in modern analytical techniques for qualitative output and prevents obsolescence.
• Develop and implement: best practices, common platforms, sharing experience/knowledge with other functions and factories.

Principal Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Science Field with Chemistry as a major study area.
• Computer literacy to the level of proficient use of Microsoft office applications.
• Knowledge and experience of software for the control of analytical instruments.
• Knowledge in ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Have a sound troubleshooting analytical skills and problem-solving tools.
• Basic Project management skills.
• Understanding of elements making cigarettes and factor that can influence product quality and smoke to be able to translate laboratory results.
• Knowledge of SAP system.
• Understanding of Corporate and ISO Quality Management Systems.
• Display excellent interpersonal skills and good communication (verbally and in writing) to translate analytical results.
• Evidence in leadership capabilities and ability to motivate and engage with internal and external bodies.
• At least 3 years’ experience in chemical laboratory environment with at least a GC equipment.