British American Tobacco: Laboratory Technician

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Function: Operations

Job Summary

To proficiently analyse smoke, blend and physical characteristics of tobacco and tobacco related products in the laboratory following ISO 17025 and Global BAT methodologies.

He/she should also keep accurate records that meet the requirements of the accreditation bodies and regulatory bodies.

The job holder also prepares flavours, casings, distilled water and performs crosscheck and calibrations of test equipment

Key Responsibilities:

i. Operations/ Professional/ Business

• Analyse and determine physical, smoke and blend characteristics of test items in accordance with documented quality management system.
• Perform inter-laboratory comparison tests and ensure that the results are always within the limits set so as to assure the integrity of results reported to customers.
• Perform Gas Chromatography
• Prepare and formulate casings and flavours used in the manufacture of quality tobacco products.
• Perform trend analysis on results and initiate corrective action.
• Keep all records of activities performed in the laboratory from their original data to the final records as required by the laboratory management system in order to maintain an audit trail when necessary.
  
• Ensure these records are maintained and stored in a secure place.
• Calibrate testing equipment in accordance with the documented laboratory quality management system so as to ensure integrity of the results.
• Inspect and analyse in-coming supplies to the laboratory to ensure that the laboratory only receives the best quality supplies and services that meets its specifications so as to enable it deliver quality service to its customers.
• Prepare distilled water to the specifications stated in the Kenya Standard for distilled water.
• Safeguard the integrity of test items, testing equipment, reference standards, reference materials, reagents, laboratory apparatus through secure storage and handling.
• Maintain the work environment in a clean and safe state through proper housekeeping and 5S

ii. Management

• Participate fully in laboratory’s management reviews, offer suggestions, feedbacks or any information that will assist the laboratory to continually improve its management system.
• Carry out internal quality audits of the laboratory management system in order to ensure that the system always meets requirements.
• Evaluate, compile and present results of analysis for easy interpretation by customers
• Identify and report non-conformances in the laboratory management system and implement preventive and corrective actions to the quality management system when necessary.
• Manage laboratory reagents a per the EHS requirements. This covers safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals so as to prevent injuries to personnel as well as prevent damage to equipment, facilities and to safeguard the environment.
• Monitor the requirements of the laboratory and initiate process of acquiring new supplies by following the right channels at his/her disposal to prevent stock–outs of consumables and ensure smooth running of the Laboratory in order to optimize utilization of laboratory resources.

iii. Leadership

• Consistently demonstrate positive leadership attributes and leads by example in order to be a good role model for your managers, peers and quality facilitators.
• Provide task teams with all information and guidance they need to execute assigned projects.
• Proactively create opportunities for development and growth for all trainees and quality facilitators through coaching and clear/constructive/timely feedback
• Deals with performance issues in a timely and transparent manner
• Actively participate and lead (where applicable) accreditation activities and initiatives through others in order to contribute to the team success
• Consistently demand discipline of self and others to raise standards and deliver stretch results.
• Lead others through Gap analysis and troubleshooting by using problem solving and improvement tools.

iv. Relationship

• Act on customer satisfaction surveys to ensure that the laboratory always exceed customers’ expectations.
• Register customer feedback and complaints and ensure corrective and/or preventive actions formulated and implemented.
• Proactively seek opportunities to interact with customer representatives and other service providers to obtain full understanding of their needs in building a sustainable relationship with them.
• Leads in building a harmonious working relationship amongst the team
• Help team members to build effective network and relationship that will deliver higher performance.
• Act as a role model for others to gain respect through own behaviour and action.

v. Innovation

• Design experiments that give solutions to persistent quality challenges
• Champion innovations and ideas that would improve performance and productivity in the laboratory

Skills and Experience:

• Computer Literacy
• Experience – at least 2 years experience in laboratory operations.
• Knowledge in statistical process control (SPC)
• Knowledge of ISO management system

Education:

• Minimum of National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or any other related field

Equity Statement

British American Tobacco is an equal opportunity employer

To Apply:

The company reserves the right not to make any appointments as a result of the selection process.

An attractive remuneration package commensurate with the role will be offered to the successful candidate.

To apply, logon to our website, www.batecacareers.com

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