_{17th February, 2026}

Location: Johannesburg
Department: Geochemistry
Reports to: Operations Manager, Geochemistry
Shift: As per operational requirements
 
About the Role
ALS is seeking a highly experienced Work Order Approver to join our Geochemistry team. This critical role is responsible for the final technical and quality approval of analytical results prior to release to clients, ensuring all data meets defined method, quality, contractual, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements—without compromising turnaround times or data integrity.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Perform final technical review, approval, and release of analytical work orders
• Ensure results are issued within agreed turnaround times (TAT)
• Organise and priorities workload based on daily statistics and client requirements
• Proactively identify and escalate risks to TAT or data quality
• Identify bottlenecks, recurring delays, or data integrity issues and recommend improvements
• Conduct comparative data analysis across analytical techniques (e.g. fusion vs acid digestion, ICP-OES vs ICP-MS, XRF vs wet chemistry)
• Identify non-conformances, anomalies, or data inconsistent with expected chemistry or mineralogy
• Authorise and review re-assays where data integrity is uncertain
• Support root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions
• Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, internal QAQC controls, and client contractual requirements
• Assist with QC investigations, TAT reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Chemistry, Science, Geology, Engineering, or equivalent from a recognised institution
• Minimum 5 years' experience in an analytical laboratory environment
• Proven experience in data review and technical approval
• Strong working knowledge of geochemical analytical techniques (ICP-OES/MS, XRF, wet chemistry, fusion, combustion methods)
• Experience with laboratory electronic data management systems

Technical & Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and scientific judgement
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify subtle data inconsistencies
• Sound root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines
• Good commercial understanding of delivering quality services profitably

Behavioural Competencies

• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical data reporting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organised, flexible, and accountable
• Strong teamwork and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to interact effectively across diverse cultures and organisational levels

Compliance & Values

• Adherence to ALS Health, Safety, and Environmental standards
• Compliance with all company policies, procedures, and SOPs

Commitment to ALS core values and quality culture

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