Zimbabwe School of Mines (ZSM) is launching ZSM Metallurgical and Analytical Laboratories (ZSM-MAL), its commercial assay and testing laboratory in Bulawayo, serving gold miners, processing plants and industry. ZSM-MAL is working towards ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the post below. ZSM graduates are encouraged to apply.
Job title: Laboratory Supervisor
Reporting to: HOD Metallurgy
Location and start : Bulawayo, December 2026
Terms: Permanent post
Closing date: Friday 13 November 2026
The role
You will run ZSM-MAL as a commercial business: winning and keeping clients, meeting revenue and budget targets, and delivering accurate results on time. You are accountable for revenue, cost, turnaround, quality and safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Running the laboratory as a business: providing the inputs for the annual budget and sales plan, keeping costs within budget, and reporting revenue, surplus and KPIs to the HOD Metallurgy and the HOD Business Development and Innovation.
• Building the client base with the HOD Business Development and Innovation: winning and keeping mine, plant and industrial accounts, supporting quotations and contract proposals, and advising on prices.
• Coordinating the workflow to meet agreed turnaround times, and taking part in technical troubleshooting.
• Verifying data and signing Certificates of Analysis.
• Managing calibration and maintenance of equipment, inventory control and supplier relations.
• Implementing ISO/IEC 17025:2017, keeping the laboratory audit-ready and managing corrective and preventive action.
• Enforcing safety rules and identifying and controlling hazards and risks.
• Leading, training and appraising staff and interns.
• Drawing up the monthly roster and Saturday rota within 208 ordinary hours a month per person.
Qualifications and Experience
• A BSc (Honours) degree or a Higher National Diploma in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemical Technology, Metallurgy or Metallurgical Engineering.
• A management qualification: a diploma or higher in business management, management or finance. An MBA is an added advantage.
• At least seven years' experience in a commercial, mine or accredited assay laboratory, including at least three years managing a laboratory or section with responsibility for budget, staff and clients, and a proven record of growing a client base and meeting revenue targets.
• Training in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and an internal auditor certificate, with experience of working in an accredited laboratory or taking one through accreditation.
• Sound practical knowledge of fire assay, AAS and XRF, and of laboratory safety for lead, cyanide and acids.
• Good computer skills, including spreadsheets. LIMS experience and membership of a relevant professional body are added advantages.
How to Apply
Send a detailed CV, copies of academic and professional qualifications and at least three references, with "Laboratory Supervisor" as the subject, to [email protected] by Friday 13 November 2026.
ZSM may assess shortlisted candidates and reserves the right not to appoint. If you are not contacted within 5 days of closing, please consider your application unsuccessful.
