Job description

The Laboratory Manager (DCF) is accountable for end-to-end product and service delivery across DCF, owning the Operations and Operational Integrity KPOs and ensuring they are fully implemented, adopted, and effective to drive business performance. The role directly manages the job cycle in the operational unit and champions QHSE, risk management, incident readiness, and continuous improvement to protect people, clients, and assets while maximizing service quality and customer satisfaction. It also liaises with the Operations Control Center on job life-cycle technical matters and incident management, with responsibility for COSD (resource consumption).

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1.     Operational Leadership

1. Direct day-to-day lab activities, scheduling, prioritization, and SLA adherence for DCF testing and R&D tasks.
2. Develop, issue, and enforce SOPs, method statements, and control plans aligned with API and KDF quality requirements.
3. Coordinate method validations, round-robin checks, and proficiency activities; address non-conformities with structured CAPA.

2.     Quality, Compliance & HSE

1. Maintain compliance with API standards and applicable regulations; ensure change control for method updates.
2. Own the Chemical Hygiene Plan; complete monthly/quarterly/annual HSE and quality inspections with evidence-based follow-up.
3. Lead incident/near-miss reviews from the lab perspective; maintain chemical inventories, SDS, and waste management controls.

3.     Assets, Calibration & Facilities

1. Execute a preventive maintenance strategy and critical-spares plan; minimize instrument downtime.
2. Govern the calibration program for all instruments across the main and field labs; assure auditable records.

4.      Materials, Procurement & Cost

1. Forecast lab consumables; manage procurement and inventory to avoid stockouts and obsolescence.
2. Track cost-to-test and budget adherence; propose cost-optimization without compromising quality.

5.      People & Capability Development

1. Build role-based training matrices and individual development plans; coach, mentor, and conduct performance reviews.
2. Enforce competency sign-off for critical methods/equipment and succession planning for key roles.

6.      Field Laboratory Support

1. Provide technical and logistical support to rig/remote labs (equipment, reagents, methods, troubleshooting) with OTIF delivery.

7.      Data & Digital

1. Strengthen LIMS/DMS governance for sample lifecycle, metadata, version control, and audit trails; drive dashboarding for KPIs.

8.      Continuous Improvement & Stakeholders

1. Lead procedural/process improvement initiatives within the fluids testing domain; quantify benefits (time, quality, cost).
2. Partner with Operations, Production Technology, QA/QC, HSE, Supply Chain, and clients (e.g., KOC) to align priorities and resolve issues.

Skills

• 10+ years of Managerial role in petroleum laboratories with emphasis on drilling/completion fluids
• 5 -7 years in supervisory / or Assistant Manager roles with emphasis on drilling/completion fluids.
• Demonstrated success running multi-shift lab operations, including field/rig lab support.
• Hands-on track record with equipment calibration, PM programs, and audit preparation/closure.
• Proven implementation of SOPs, data management controls, and process improvements