Divisional Head: Laboratory Services

Purpose Statement

• To provide strategic leadership, drive growth and ensure financial sustainability and quality service delivery within Laboratories Services and achieve commercial success through effective strategy implementation aligned to market requirements, management of the day to day operations of Laboratory Services and design / implementation of appropriate Laboratory quality controls to ensure good governance and customer service.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications

• Honour’s Degree in Science, Engineering, Technology or a related field  (NQF Level 8).

Experiance 

• 10 years’ relevant work experience in laboratory, engineering or instrumentation services. (Operational Level) 
• 3 years’ senior management experience. (Senior Managerial Level)
• 5 years’ management experience. (Managerial Level)
• Proven track record in leading and managing laboratory, engineering or instrumentation services departments to achieve revenue targets at an organisational level l (Senior Managerial Level)

Duties and Responsibilities    
Strategic Management

• Lead the development and execution of the Laboratory Services strategy, contributing to SABS’s overall strategy and decision-making.
• Develop annual work plans and procedures aligned with organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with the COO to drive strategy, revenue growth, performance and sustainability.
• Balance commercial and state-supported laboratory services.
• Align business unit strategies and objectives through strategic work plans.
• Set performance and growth targets, monitor achievement and implement corrective action where required.
• Oversee the internal and external Laboratory Services value chain to ensure strategic alignment.
• Lead the development and improvement of Laboratory Services policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Establish and lead a Centre of Excellence that balances technical expertise and stakeholder needs.
• Respond to market opportunities through relevant Laboratory Services offerings.

Operational Management

• Develop and execute the Laboratory Services Operational Plan in line with strategic objectives and capacity requirements.
• Drive operational efficiency, process integration and continuous improvement.
• Maintain existing accreditations and secure new ones where applicable.
• Oversee laboratory service delivery, testing protocols and their validation.
• Translate operational plans into business activities and growth objectives.
• Manage operational methodologies, performance metrics, processes, workflows and tools.
• Monitor business unit performance, productivity, resource utilisation and customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical expertise on Laboratory Services protocols and processes.
• Ensure alignment of business unit activities and communicate progress to the Executive team.
• Collaborate with the PMO to develop annual Integrated Demand Plans and report to stakeholders.
• Ensure SABS Laboratory Services participates in relevant standards development and regional conformity assessment committees, supporting mutual recognition.
• Analyse and communicate operational trends and results to relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Customer Partnering on business development and revenue growth.
• Identify new service solutions and markets to drive growth.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Manage Laboratory Services risks through fraud prevention, governance and compliance controls.
• Oversee quality risk management in line with SANS/ISO 31000, accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor legislative changes and implement required operational controls.
• Support internal and external audits and accreditation processes.
• Oversee Laboratory Services Level Agreements to minimise risk and ensure business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, SABS policies, procedures and the Code of Ethics, including PFMA and BBBEE requirements.

Financial Management

• Contribute to annual budget planning in line with strategic and operational plans.
• Drive financial performance and service delivery efficiency.
• Develop and manage financial plans, forecasts and budgets for Laboratory Services initiatives.
• Monitor budget implementation, manage financial controls and address variances.
• Develop financial sustainability models with Finance.
• Ensure financial sustainability and achievement of revenue targets in line with organisational objectives.

People Management

• Lead Laboratory Services through clear direction, resource allocation, performance management, team alignment and employee development.
• Drive a customer-focused performance culture aligned with SABS’s vision, mission and objectives.
• Manage direct reports to achieve strategic objectives.
• Promote employee engagement, skills development, talent retention and succession planning.
• Ensure employees have the required skills and competencies through coaching and mentorship.
• Promote integrity, ethical conduct and adherence to company standards.
• Champion change, culture, diversity and continuous learning.
• Develop technical, leadership and change capabilities in consultation with Human Capital Management.
• Lead cross-divisional teams to ensure sustainability of large, multi-year contracts.

Stakeholder Management

• Identify and address internal system and procedural barriers to improve customer service.
• Build effective stakeholder relationships to manage expectations, share knowledge and protect SABS’s reputation.
• Represent SABS in relevant committees and task teams.
• Convene and chair meetings and communicate performance and business updates to stakeholders.
• Provide technical support on Laboratory Services matters.
• Maintain relationships with clients and service providers to ensure service standards.
• Resolve or escalate customer complaints and address recurring issues.
• Coordinate and document stakeholder engagements across divisions.
• Build partnerships with universities, research organisations and other laboratories to develop solutions and enhance SABS capacity.
• Engage policymakers, regulators, industry associations and government departments to support conformity assessment objectives and align laboratory infrastructure with economic needs.