Laboratory Supervisor

Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is launching ZSM Metallurgical and Analytical Laboratories (ZSM-MAL), a commercial assay and testing laboratory in Bulawayo serving gold miners, processing plants and industry, currently working towards ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. ZSM invites suitably qualified persons, including ZSM graduates, to apply for the post of Laboratory Supervisor.

Laboratory Supervisor

• Reporting to: HOD Metallurgy
• Location and start: Bulawayo, December 2026
• Terms: Permanent post
• Closing date: Friday 13 November 2026

The Laboratory Supervisor will run ZSM-MAL as a commercial business, winning and keeping clients, meeting revenue and budget targets, and delivering accurate results on time. The role carries accountability for revenue, cost, turnaround, quality and safety.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Running the laboratory as a business: providing inputs for the annual budget and sales plan, keeping costs within budget, and reporting revenue, surplus and KPIs to the HOD Metallurgy and the HOD Business Development and Innovation.
• Building the client base with the HOD Business Development and Innovation: winning and keeping mine, plant and industrial accounts, supporting quotations and contract proposals, and advising on prices.
• Coordinating the workflow to meet agreed turnaround times, and taking part in technical troubleshooting.
• Verifying data and signing Certificates of Analysis.
• Managing calibration and maintenance of equipment, inventory control and supplier relations.
• Implementing ISO/IEC 17025:2017, keeping the laboratory audit-ready and managing corrective and preventive action.
• Enforcing safety rules and identifying and controlling hazards and risks.
• Leading, training and appraising staff and interns.
• Drawing up the monthly roster and Saturday rota within 208 ordinary hours a month per person.

Qualifications and Experience

• A BSc (Honours) degree or a Higher National Diploma in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemical Technology, Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering.
• A management qualification: a diploma or higher in business management, management or finance. An MBA is an added advantage.
• At least seven years' experience in a commercial, mine or accredited assay laboratory, including at least three years managing a laboratory or section with responsibility for budget, staff and clients, and a proven record of growing a client base and meeting revenue targets.
• Training in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and an internal auditor certificate, with experience of working in an accredited laboratory or taking one through accreditation.
• Sound practical knowledge of fire assay, AAS and XRF, and of laboratory safety for lead, cyanide and acids.
• Good computer skills, including spreadsheets. LIMS experience and membership of a relevant professional body are added advantages.

How to Apply

Apply through the Apply button on this page by Friday 13 November 2026. Applicants should submit a detailed CV, copies of academic and professional qualifications and at least three references, with "Laboratory Supervisor" as the subject.

ZSM may assess shortlisted candidates and reserves the right not to appoint. If you are not contacted within 5 days of closing, please consider your application unsuccessful.