Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Attributes
Technical And Leadership Skills
Timeline
Generic

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

undefined

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

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Nontobeko MtshaliLaboratory Supervisor