Deputy Lab Manager

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

The Deputy & Operational Lab Manager provides direct operational management, technical support, and operational cross-coordination to the Laboratory Manager. Designed as a key leadership development role, this position combines daily operational oversight with process optimization, quality execution, and key stakeholder interactions, preparing the incumbent to progressively step into broader management responsibilities.

The core focus centers on managing daily laboratory operations and testing workflows, driving continuous process improvement, enforcing best operational practices, HSE, and Quality standards, and maintaining seamless coordination with cargo inspection teams and operational stakeholders.

Working in close alignment with the Laboratory Manager, the Deputy & Operational Lab Manager ensures operational continuity, smooth workflow execution, strict quality/safety compliance, effective inter-departmental communication, and operational delegation during management absences.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily laboratory operations and analytical activities.
• Ensure effective coordination with inspection and operational teams.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Quality, ISO/IEC 17025, and HSE standards.
• Support the Laboratory Manager and ensure operational continuity.
• Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory personnel.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in petroleum, petrochemical, Oil & Gas laboratory testing, or a similar technical environment.
• 2-3 years of supervisory experience in a senior laboratory role.
• Strong knowledge of petroleum test methods, ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, and QA/QC practices.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in petroleum laboratory instrumentation and testing techniques.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality management, and process improvement.
• Experience with LIMS and data integrity principles.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with operations, inspectors, and stakeholders.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills in English; French is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Customer-oriented mindset with commercial awareness.

Desired Attributes

• Strong customer focus and technical credibility.
• Hands-on operational leadership style.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

Work Environment & Travel

• Based primarily at the Tanger Med Laboratory with travel to SGS Morocco sites as required.
• Laboratory, port terminal, and client-site environment with strict adherence to SGS HSE procedures.
• Regular interaction with laboratory, operations, inspection, and management teams.
• Occasional international travel for training, audits, technical support, and projects.