Head of Department – Lubricant Testing

About the role

Alfred H Knight is seeking a Head of Department to lead its Lubricant Testing laboratory in Zambia. You will be responsible for day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring high‑quality service and compliance with international standards.

Key responsibilities

• Inspect and approve test reports, communicating results to clients.
• Maintain up‑to‑date documented methods with validation data.
• Conduct internal quality audits to sustain ISO accreditation and drive improvements.
• Plan and execute weekly, monthly and quarterly maintenance and calibration of equipment.
• Manage a critical spares inventory for analytical instruments.
• Supervise proficiency testing programmes.
• Optimize resource utilisation and control departmental costs.
• Organise daily team workload to meet reporting schedules.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years experience in lubricants and fuels testing.
• At least 2 years of management experience.
• Degree in a laboratory discipline or related field.
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 and laboratory accreditation processes.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Required skills

• Lubricant testing techniques (instrumental and classical).
• Fuel testing techniques.
• Quality control methods for lubricants and fuels.
• Analytical method development and validation.
• Use of LIMS.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 requirements.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a world‑class laboratory.
• Supportive, inclusive work environment.