Nontobeko Mtshali
Laboratory Supervisor
KwaMbonambi
Summary
Diligent laboratory supervisor with solid background in laboratory management and process optimization. Successfully led teams in enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining high-quality standards. Demonstrated expertise in team leadership and regulatory compliance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
22
22
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certificates
Work History
Laboratory Supervisor
Intertek
Richardsbay
03.2020 - Current
- Conduct and manage shift handovers, ensuring smooth transition between shifts and accurate communication of lab activities.
- Supervise testing procedures during shifts, ensuring adherence to turnaround times and accuracy targets.
- Perform operational inspections of laboratory areas at shift start/end to maintain safety and compliance.
- Monitor and guide performance of laboratory team members; support training and mentoring initiatives.
- Draft and submit reports on sample testing, equipment status, and compliance with safety protocols.
- Perform Critical Control Field Verifications and participate in safety walkabouts to uphold operational standards.
- Lead toolbox talks to address safety, housekeeping, and process adherence.
- Oversee sample collection, handling, and analysis in line with standard operating procedures.
- Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (GC, HPLC, UV-Vis, ICP, titration units).
- Manage raw material, intermediate, and final product analysis aligned with ISO and internal quality frameworks.
- Assisted with development and administration of laboratory budgets.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment, resulting in reduced downtime and repair costs.
- Instructed students on proper use and maintenance of equipment to prevent injuries.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, ensuring timely delivery of supplies and cost-effective procurement practices.
- Established a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Ensured accuracy in testing by maintaining rigorous quality control standards and regularly calibrating equipment.
- Oversaw in-depth laboratory inspections and contributed to favorable outcomes.
- Created quality control reports on monthly basis.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Increased productivity with effective resource allocation, maximizing the use of available personnel and equipment.
- Mentored junior staff members to foster professional growth, skill development, and career advancement opportunities within the organization.
- Contributed to the development of new tests or methodologies through collaborative research efforts with colleagues or external partners.
- Reduced turnaround time for test results by optimizing workflows and laboratory procedures.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new technologies.
- Facilitated troubleshooting efforts during unexpected challenges or crises while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Maintained equipment and facilities in good working order.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects involving multiple departments or facilities to achieve shared objectives efficiently and effectively.
- Promoted collaboration among team members through regular meetings, open communication channels, and team-building activities.
- Prepared employee schedules according to individual needs and skills, as well as coverage requirements.
- Actively participated in industry conferences or workshops to stay current on trends, innovations, or best practices relevant to laboratory operations or management responsibilities.
- Improved staff competency through continuous training programs and performance evaluations.
- Directed quality assurance standards to maximize results.
- Provided excellent customer service to clients by addressing inquiries promptly, providing accurate test results, and offering expert guidance on interpreting findings when necessary.
- Conducted CAP studies and performed daily quality control runs and biannual CVM tests.
- Worked closely with quality assurance teams to address and resolve any discrepancies or concerns related to laboratory processes, data, or results.
- Streamlined data management systems for increased accuracy in record-keeping and reporting.
- Developed strong working relationships with other departments, ensuring seamless integration of laboratory services within the larger organizational ecosystem.
- Managed budget effectively by monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and prioritizing investments in resources that maximize value for the organization.
- Gathered laboratory samples, monitored fluids and read test results to make accurate care decisions.
- Recorded and interpreted laboratory results to present to senior colleagues.
- Prepared and validated buffers and in-house reagents, calibrators, and controls in advance of laboratory testing and analysis orders.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to verify quality control.
- Investigated and resolved issues related to laboratory processes and procedures.
- Provided technical guidance and training to laboratory staff.
- Prioritized work assigned, maintained accurate records of work performed and initiated corrective action in case of defective records or inadequate care plans.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
Laboratory Technician
Intertek
Richardsbay
10.2015 - 02.2020
- Conduct chemical and physical testing on raw materials, intermediates, and final products.
- Develop and validate analytical methods to support product quality and compliance.
- Interpret analytical data, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions.
- Prepare and issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customer documentation.
- Ensure calibration and maintenance of lab equipment and manage chemical inventory.
- Implement GLP and GMP practices and maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 compliance.
- Participate in internal/external audits and support lab accreditation processes.
- Assist with R&D projects including product formulation and root cause investigations.
- Prepared samples for analysis by performing complex sample preparation tasks.
- Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
- Prepared reagents and solutions following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Developed new protocols and improved existing laboratory processes.
- Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Inspected laboratory equipment to maintain good working condition for optimal results.
- Prepared reagents, media and solutions to use for laboratory testing and analysis.
- Prepared samples for shipping and disposed of bodily fluids in proper containers.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Collected and performed analytical testing on in-process product.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Reduced errors in data entry by meticulously reviewing and validating information before submission.
- Completed quality documents and input and saved quality data in appropriate locations.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
- Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
Laboratory Assistant
SGS
Richardsbay
04.2012 - 09.2015
- Performed sample preparation and analytical testing (ICP, AAS, XRF) on various materials.
- Assisted with quality control checks, data capturing using LIMS, and lab equipment maintenance.
- Ensured adherence to ISO 17025 standards and maintained high safety and operational standards in all lab activities.
In-service Trainee – Laboratory Trainee
Exxaro
Lephalale
01.2008 - 03.2012
- Conducted routine coal and mineral sample analysis (moisture, ash, calorific value) using standard lab techniques and instruments (XRF, AAS).
- Assisted with sample preparation and accurate data recording using LIMS.
- Maintained lab equipment and ensured compliance with ISO 17025 and HSE standards.
- Supported the daily operations of the lab with a strong focus on quality, safety, and efficiency.
Education
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Durban University of Technology
Durban 06.2010 - 06.2010
Diploma - Workplace Safety and Health
Alison
04.2001 - 01.2023
Skills
Laboratory Supervision
Team Coordination
ISO Standards Compliance
Turnaround Time Monitoring
Testing
Data Interpretation
Instrumentation
Equipment Status Monitoring
Maintenance
Root Cause Analysis
Continuous Improvement
Health & Safety Compliance
Proficiency in Excel
Proficiency in Word
Proficiency in PowerPoint
Certification
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
Professional Attributes
- Strong leadership and accountability on shift
- Committed to quality, safety, and accuracy
- Adaptable in high-pressure environments
- Excellent communication and reporting skills
- Proactive in identifying and resolving issues
Technical And Leadership Skills
- Laboratory Supervision & Team Coordination
- ISO Standards Compliance (9001:2015, 17025:2017)
- Turnaround Time (TAT) Monitoring & Reporting
- Sample Collection, Testing & Data Interpretation
- Instrumentation (HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, ICP, titration, XRF, AAS)
- Equipment Status Monitoring & Maintenance
- Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Health & Safety Compliance (GLP, GMP)
- Strong Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Timeline
Laboratory Supervisor
Intertek
03.2020 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Intertek
10.2015 - 02.2020
Laboratory Assistant
SGS
04.2012 - 09.2015
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Durban University of Technology
06.2010 - 06.2010
In-service Trainee – Laboratory Trainee
Exxaro
01.2008 - 03.2012
Diploma - Workplace Safety and Health
Alison
04.2001 - 01.2023