Laboratory Supervisor - Lomé

Job Summary

The Lab Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the laboratory within an oil and gas inspection and testing company. This role ensures that all testing, inspection, calibration, and analytical activities are performed safely, accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and quality management systems. The Lab Supervisor leads laboratory personnel, maintains equipment and resources, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to deliver reliable and timely results.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Supervise and coordinate daily laboratory testing and inspection activities related to crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, lubricants, gas samples, and related materials.
• Ensure testing is conducted in accordance with approved methods, including ASTM, ISO, IP, API, GPA, and client-specific procedures.
• Monitor laboratory workflows to ensure timely completion of testing and reporting requirements.
• Review test results for accuracy, completeness, and compliance before release to clients.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality management systems, accreditation requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain adherence to standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure proper documentation, record keeping, and traceability of laboratory activities.

Personnel Management

• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory technicians, chemists, and support staff.
• Assign workloads and monitor staff performance to achieve operational objectives.
• Identify training needs and support competency development programs.
• Promote a positive safety culture and professional work environment.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)

• Enforce laboratory safety procedures and company HSE policies.
• Conduct safety inspections, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, samples, and hazardous materials.
• Investigate laboratory incidents and implement corrective actions when required.

Equipment & Resource Management

• Ensure laboratory instruments and equipment are properly maintained, calibrated, and verified.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and equipment repairs.
• Monitor inventory levels of chemicals, reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies.
• Support procurement activities for laboratory equipment and materials.

Client & Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance on testing methodologies and analytical procedures.
• Support customer inquiries related to laboratory testing and analytical results.
• Assist in method validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with operations, inspection, and quality departments to ensure service excellence.