William Sello Letsoalo
Quality Laboratory Manager
Alberton,Gauteng
Summary
Skilled Laboratory Professional with over 20 years of experience in managing laboratory operations and ensuring optimal functionality across all processes. Expertise includes quality assurance, testing, analysis, and the implementation of effective quality control measures, along with proficient report writing and oversight of lab activities. Strong analytical abilities, resource allocation skills, and multitasking capabilities support a proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain high standards of quality. Attributes include professionalism, critical thinking, and exceptional time management, contributing to a commitment to driving organizational success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Quality Laboratory manager
BAYER
08.2022 - Current
- Lead and supervise daily operations of the QC laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely testing of agrochemical raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
- Managed, trained, and evaluated laboratory staff to maintain high levels of technical competency and compliance.
- Developed, validated, and implemented analytical methods (HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, titration) for agrochemical product testing.
- Ensured adherence to ISO, GMP, GHS, and regulatory requirements related to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other agrochemical products.
- Reviewed and approved laboratory results, test reports, and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for product release.
- Monitored product quality trends, conducted root-cause investigations, and implemented corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Oversaw calibration, maintenance, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of laboratory instruments to ensure testing accuracy and data reliability.
- Maintained laboratory documentation including SOPs, quality manuals, test methods, and regulatory compliance records.
- Ensured proper chemical safety, hazardous waste handling, PPE usage, and compliance with HSE regulations.
- Led internal and external audit preparations and responded to audit findings with effective corrective actions.
- Collaborated with R&D, Production, and Supply Chain teams to support new formulations and resolve quality issues.
- Optimized laboratory workflow, improved testing efficiency, and promoted continuous improvement through 5S, LEAN, and Six Sigma principles.
- Managed LIMS and laboratory data systems to ensure traceability, integrity, and secure storage of analytical data.
- Supported customer complaint investigations by conducting product analyses and providing technical reports.
- Ensured all agrochemical products met regulatory, environmental, and safety standards before release to market.
- Aug 2022 – Present | 3 Years +
- Designed processes to increase efficiency by minimizing error and reducing repetitive tasks.
Laboratory Specialist
SENMIN
08.2015 - 07.2022
- Manage quality assurance and control and developed continuous improvement initiatives.
- Implement and maintain Laboratory practices through ensuring standardisation of processes and adherence to regulatory compliance, SOPs, SLA’s, QAA and KPI’s
- Deliver exceptional client service; maximise results and manage high performance and productivity while fostering collaboration across businesses.
- Maintain 100% safety standards and accountability in all areas and mandatory/regulatory requirements.
- Adjusting work schedules in response to changing priorities; and for the purpose of maximizing service and the efficiency of operations.
- Ensure that all samples received in the Laboratory are done as per procedure, in-time and to high quality standard. Responsible for all sample test / analysis and lab reports. Co-ordinate training of lab personnel.
- Ensure adherence to Laboratory methods and procedures as well as the instruments.
- Implement and maintain a quality system based on ISO 17025 and ensure adherence to the quality standards and procedures.
- Ensure all Safety and Health requirements are followed in the Laboratory and report all deviations to the direct line manager.
- Quality control sample and contamination analysis. Method development and validation.
- Maintenance and care of equipment as well as timeous replacement of consumables.
- All water sample analysis. Instruments FT: G.C.; COD; UV; Karl Fischer; R.I.; Oxygen analyser; All wet chemistry analysis; Conductivities.
- Perform administrative tasks in order to ensure effective administration systems in the laboratory, Register specimens on the laboratory information system. Capture results on the laboratory information system.
- Labelling and identifying samples.
- Analysing and reporting on results. Lead process projects and provide reports on a regular, and as needed basis related to productivity, quality, and outcomes.
- Performing mini risk assessments. Preparation of calibration standards for instruments.
- Aug 2015 – Jul 2022 | 7 Years, 0 Months
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by implementing new testing procedures and protocols.
Laboratory Team Leader
KARBOCHEM (PTY) LTD
09.2011 - 07.2015
- Managed efficient and streamlined daily operations within the Laboratory, conducting physical, chemical, and statistical analysis.
- Implemented and maintained the running of the laboratory as per the ISO 17025 standard.
- Managed and co-ordinated efficient daily duties by carrying out statistical analysis of captured data, providing value-adding opportunities for improvement in the Laboratory. Supervised Analyst and Administration of the lab.
- Managed physical and chemical analysis as required. Performed all quality / hygiene-related duties in accordance with the laid down Quality Assurance Management System.
- Ensured that the Laboratory equipment is fully functional and calibrated. Ensured that the highest quality products are produced through regular checks.
- Analysed water sample (COD). Instruments FT: G.C.; COD; UV; Karl Fischer; Mooney machine; R.I.; Oxygen analyser; All wet chemistry analysis; Conductivities; Ordering supplies.
- Supervised staff in the Laboratory. Ensured efficient housekeeping of the laboratory and workspace.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety standards, removed bio-hazardous waste.
- Sep 2011 – Jul 2015 | 3 Years, 11 Months (Career Advancement)
Laboratory Analyst/Technician
BAYER CORP SCIENCE
05.2008 - 08.2011
- In-depth knowledge of QHSE systems, preventative measures, and laboratory best practices.
- Maintained equipment and assisted in ordering laboratory supplies.
- Ensured that all safety guidelines are always followed strictly and maintain a clean and orderly environment.
- Ensured that all samples received in the Laboratory are done as per procedure, in-time and to high quality standards. Responsible for all products both finished and raw material.
- Managed the time and attendance of Laboratory Analysts to ensure that all samples were completed on time.
- Implemented and maintained a quality system based on ISO 17025 and ensured all Analysts adhered to the quality standards and procedures.
- Ensured all safety and health requirements were followed in the Laboratory and reported all deviations to the direct line manager.
- Quality control sample and contamination analysis. Method development and validation.
- Maintenance and care of equipment as well as timeous replacement of consumables.
- Instruments used: HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography); Karl Fischer; GC (gas chromatography); GC-MS; UV (ultraviolet spectrometer); Wet chemistry (all titrations); FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy); P.U (Polyurethane); PH meter; Melting points instrument; COD (chemical oxygen demand); Conductivity meter
- Prepared lab reports. Released batches from the system using zizo (computer program) and SAP.
- Developing the new methods on HPLC and G.C.
- Tested packing material.
- Analysed all poly urethane samples and adjusted the batches from the plant (polymers).
- May 2008 – Aug 2011 | 3 Years, 4 Months (Career Advancement)
Sales Representative
MEDIZONE
01.2004 - 06.2011
- Devised and initiated sales strategies to promote effective sales performances and enhance revenue growth, developed and built strategic relationships with key stakeholders.
- Developed “out of the box” sales strategies/models and evaluate their effectiveness.
- Jan 2004 – Jun 2011 | 7 Years, 6 Months (Career Advancement)
Q.C Technician
RUTO MILLS
01.2005 - 04.2008
- Raw Material Testing
- Analyse incoming raw materials to ensure they meet required specifications before production. Typical tasks include:
- Moisture content testing
- Protein, fat, fibra and starch analysis
- Checking contaminants (foreign material, toxins, aflatoxins)
- Assessing grain hardness, size, and density
- Purpose: To ensure only high-quality raw material enters the process.
- In-Process Quality Control
- During the milling or production process, the technician performs routine checks to monitor consistency and prevent deviations.
- Common checks include:
- Sampling at different production stages
- Grind size analysis (sieving)
- Ash content monitoring
- Enzyme or additive verification
- Monitoring temperature and humidity levels
- Purpose: Early detection of defects to avoid product loss and rework.
- Finished Product Testing
- Lab technicians certify that the end product meets the customer and regulatory specifications.
- Typical analyses include:
- Particle size distribution
- Nutritional profile tests (protein, moisture, energy value, etc.)
- Microbiological tests (when applicable)
- Shelf-life and stability tests
- Visual inspection for consistency and color
- Purpose: Ensure final product quality before release.
- Equipment Calibration and Maintenance
- Calibrating lab instruments (moisture analyzers, NIR devices, sieves)
- Conducting routine cleaning and verification checks
- Reporting malfunction or drift in instruments
- Purpose: To maintain accuracy and prevent false results.
- Documentation and Reporting
- Completing daily quality control reports
- Recording test results accurately in LIMS or QC logs
- Creating certificates of analysis (COAs)
- Reporting non-conformances to QA/QC supervisors
- Supporting audits (internal, external, regulatory)
- Purpose: To maintain traceability and compliance.
- Compliance and Safety
- Adhering to food safety standards (HACCP, ISO, FSSC requirements)
- Ensuring safe sample handling
- Wearing proper PPE
- Participating in health and safety meetings
- Purpose: To protect personnel and ensure safe product production.
- Supporting Production Teams
- Advising millers on adjustments needed (moisture changes, grind settings)
- Alerting production when results deviate from standards
- Assisting in troubleshooting quality issues
- Purpose: To keep production efficient and within spec.
- Jan 2005 – Apr 2008 | 3 Years, 4 Months (Career Advancement)
Education
Advanced Diploma - Business Management programme
MANCOSA
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2026
National Higher Certificate - Total Quality Management
Lyceum
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2024
Management Development Programme -
Gordon Institute of Business Science
Sandton, South Africa01.2021
No Degree - Sales & Marketing
Damelin
Benoni, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Kwena Ya Madiba High School
Brits, South Africa01.1999
Skills
Time and Project Management
Conducting Inspections, Operating and Calibrating Sample Analysing Instruments
Exceptional Safety and Quality Awareness
Office Administration, Office Support, Co-Ordination, Managing Output, Workflow and Office Deadlines
Conducting Experiments, Collecting Samples, Managing Risk Analysis and Resolving Issues
Examining Samples, Preparing Cultures, Generating Lab Reports, and Sending Test Results
Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Working Knowledge of method validation, HPLC, GC, FTIR, LOQ &LOD
Lead, Guide, Support and Mentor Teams
Budget Development, Management, Evaluation and Control
MS Word MS Excel MS PowerPoint MS Outlook SAP Tizo Chemstation (Agilent GC and HPLC Software) LIMS
Self-motivated and passionate
Productive and efficient
Great leadership and communication qualities
Punctual and reliable
Analytical and detailed
Excellent with planning and organising
Lab equipment maintenance
Scientific presentations
Chemical handling
Sample storage
Certification
EDUCBA, Mastering Total Quality Management: Analyze, Apply & Improve
References
- Siyabonga, Sitbhebe, HOD QHSE, +27 11 365 8600, +27 82 654 8512
- Please do not contact current employer without my consent
- Thomathi, Mosete, Lab Manager, +27 16 973 9720, Senmin (Pty) Ltd
- Lesego, Seoketsa, Specialist, +27 16 970 1779, +27 82 794 3195, Karbochem (Pty) Ltd
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Intermediate (B1)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Quality Laboratory manager
BAYER
08.2022 - Current
Laboratory Specialist
SENMIN
08.2015 - 07.2022
Laboratory Team Leader
KARBOCHEM (PTY) LTD
09.2011 - 07.2015
Laboratory Analyst/Technician
BAYER CORP SCIENCE
05.2008 - 08.2011
Q.C Technician
RUTO MILLS
01.2005 - 04.2008
Sales Representative
MEDIZONE
01.2004 - 06.2011
No Degree - Sales & Marketing
Damelin
04.2001 -
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
Advanced Diploma - Business Management programme
MANCOSA
National Higher Certificate - Total Quality Management
Lyceum
Management Development Programme -
Gordon Institute of Business Science
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Kwena Ya Madiba High School