Head of Department – Geochemistry

About the role

Alfred H Knight is seeking a Head of Department – Geochemistry to lead the Geochemistry laboratory and its sample preparation section in Kitwe, Zambia. You will be responsible for day‑to‑day laboratory operations, ensuring ISO 17025:2017 compliance and delivering high‑quality analytical results.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end laboratory workflow from sample receipt through wet chemistry analysis, QA/QC review and final reporting.
• Maintain ISO 17025:2017 compliance, manage the Quality Management System and validate analytical methods.
• Control departmental budgets, stock inventories and equipment utilisation to drive financial efficiency.
• Schedule daily workloads, meet client deadlines and communicate with internal departments and external clients.
• Train, mentor and develop laboratory staff to achieve peak performance.

Required profile

• Degree in Chemistry or related chemical sciences.
• Minimum 5 years experience in a testing laboratory, preferably a Geochemistry lab.
• Strong hands‑on analytical skills, including fire assay and classical analytical chemistry techniques.
• Proven ability to work under operational pressure with high integrity and professional accountability.

Required skills

• Practical knowledge of ISO 17025 standards.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Fire assay technique.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package including pension, life assurance and employee assistance programme.
• Diverse and inclusive work environment.