Quality Leader

Position Overview

The role of Quality Leader is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, within the Minerals Laboratory department, reporting directly to the Laboratory Manager. The position demands a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Science, or Geochemistry along with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Technical Expertise

The candidate must possess proficiency in regulatory analysis, ISO standards application, instrumentation, and laboratory techniques.

Quality Assurance and Control Duties

• Lead the deployment, upkeep, and enhancement of the lab’s Quality Management System compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and relevant standards.
• Manage quality assurance and control procedures to uphold accuracy, integrity, and compliance of laboratory data as per client and regulatory demands.
• Ensure consistent adherence to standard operating procedures and quality protocols throughout all laboratory functions.
• Foster a culture centered on quality, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain all necessary documentation accurately and securely.

Laboratory Systems and Data Management

• Advocate continual improvement and proper use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) ensuring data accuracy and traceability.
• Ensure correct data entry, verification, and control within LIMS aligned with QA/QC guidelines.
• Contribute to system enhancement efforts and standardization of lab processes.

Monitoring Quality Performance

• Supervise internal and external audits, manage closure of non-conformities, and oversee implementation effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Monitor QC data including certified reference materials, blanks, replicates, proficiency testing, and repeatability data to detect trends and risks.
• Interpret quality data to offer actionable recommendations to management.
• Ensure prompt escalation and resolution of issues impacting results or turnaround times.

Technical Oversight and Data Validation

• Oversee laboratory testing to ensure methods and quality standards are strictly followed.
• Validate analytical data before release conclusively.
• Assist in resolving technical problems that affect data quality and reliability.

Continuous Improvement and Risk Handling

• Identify risks proactively within lab processes and apply preventive or corrective measures.
• Drive initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Encourage adoption of best practices and learning across all lab units.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Provide technical and QA/QC support to laboratory supervisors and staff.
• Serve as the principal contact for quality-related communication between laboratory teams and management.
• Ensure quality expectations are clearly communicated and aligned across stakeholders.
• Act as the laboratory’s liaison with accreditation organizations, regulators, and key clients concerning quality matters.

Operational Responsibilities

• Balance meeting production goals with upholding superior quality and compliance standards.
• Support timely release of test results and laboratory batches meeting QA protocols.
• Identify and address training needs through practical instruction to enhance technical skills.

QHSSE (Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) Duties

• Implement Bureau Veritas safety initiatives within the team.
• Always comply with legal requirements, BV health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Maintain a clean and hazard-free personal workspace and immediately report any hazards or deviations to appropriate management or safety representatives.
• Report newly identified hazards and assist in creating controls to mitigate risks.
• Report incidents promptly and participate in their investigation.
• Act responsibly for personal health and safety and that of others potentially affected by one's actions.
• Collaborate with colleagues on health and safety matters, and use safety resources correctly.