• Title: Senior Quality Laboratory Technician

• Position Reference: 34919

• Grade: B4

• Business Unit & Section: Laboratory
• CPC, Empangeni

 

About Tronox

Tronox is the world’s leading vertically integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment and other materials that add brightness and durability to products you encounter every day. We are 5,700 people strong, located across six continents and unified by a strong set of values that guide us in our work. At our mines and manufacturing plants, labs and offices, we responsibly transform the earth’s resources into​ products and opportunities that enhance lives. Our vision is to shape a sustainable, thriving world through enriched and refined minerals.  

 

About the Role

Primary Responsibilities  

Laboratory Production Information

• All relevant processes are captured
• Cost and number of samples repeated are reduced as much as possible
• Results are communicated timeously to all relevant customers
• Interactive relationship between all sections in the Lab and LIMS are maintained
• Results are verified for accuracy and precision
• All data generated is relevant to customers’ needs
• Trends are identified, investigated, corrected and reported.
• Turnaround times are monitored, identified and acted on immediately.
• Customers are informed immediately of all deviations
• Call out laboratory standby according to production requirements

 

Handed over shift

• All check sheets /registers are signed off at the start of shift
• Shift reports are completed per shift, in the agreed upon format and timeously communicated to all relevant parties
• Shift handovers for all sections take place before the start of next shift
• New instructions from management are communicated
• Contingency and integration with other shifts and processes are maintained
• All problems in specific shift are dealt with / resolved during that shift
• No shortages occur of all appropriate chemicals, consumables on shift.
• All relevant keys for safekeeping of chemicals and consumables are available to next shift.
• All platinum ware is accounted for and any damage is reported immediately in writing
• Number of samples handed over to next shift not to exceed 10% of workload on shift.
• Housekeeping to be in order before shift is handed over
• Samples are achieved before end of shift 

 

First Line Maintained Equipment

• Inspections are done on a scheduled basis
• Liaison with maintenance staff is maintained
• Shift Staff are trained in basic maintenance
• Report all break downs on SAP and Laboratory equipment  availability system
• Log notification for breakdowns and maintenance requests
• Issue “Permit to work” to maintenance personnel before maintenance commence
• Adherence to planned and first line maintenance as instructed by laboratory supervisor

 

Technical support

• It is timeous and accurate
•  Solves basic technical problems
• It stays abreast of all new technical developments concerning the laboratory
• Chemists are consulted when necessary

 

High performance teams

• Problems are resolved within appropriate levels of accountability and responsibility for individuals and teams
• Members are actively involved in finding and implementing solutions
• All staff is competent to deliver the outputs of their jobs within a specified time after being appointed to the position.
• Members accept responsibility for their own ongoing development
• Development feedback is given to own shift staff on an ongoing basis
• The team has the ability to initiate and manage change
• Individual and or team objectives are clearly specified and agreed upon
• Each subordinate have a performance contract and IDP in consultation with laboratory supervisor.
• Eliminate non value adding activities
• Team prioritises analysis before and during shifts in terms of deadlines
• Credibility of the lab is ensured at all times
• Cross functional training to ensure that all team members are multi-skilled
• Job rotation to ensure that personal are abreast of any changes to any section

 

SHERQ practices

• Compliance to relevant legislation
• Compliance to the Tronox Health, Safety and Environment Management and Quality policy.
• The investigation of incidents and accidents on shift
• Accident frequency is below set standard
• Safety inspections done
• HIRA documents are completed and communicated.
• Inspections checklists completed
• SHERQ talks conducted / Toolbox talks
• Planned task observation completed on critical and non-critical tasks
• Ensure compliance to “Lifesaving  Rules”
• Log and complete incidents on Pivot
• Ensure shift staff have adequate PPE
• Attend Laboratory SHEQ meetings

 

Tronox KZN Sands Values modelled

• Living the values is evident (visible) in all interactions with customer (internal as well as external customer)
• When the values are demonstrated by others, their behaviour is acknowledged, and when others are seen to behave contrary to the values, they are made aware of this and offered support where required
• It guides all decision making
• Living the values is a continuous process and effort
• Living the values contributes towards a more positive working environment
• The appropriateness of one’s own behaviour (in terms of the values) is constantly revised, and improved where required
• Can explain what the values mean in own area, and how it relates to the Tronox vision

 

About You

• Grade 12/ Standard 10/ N3, NQF Level 4 with Maths and Science (Mandatory)
• Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or BSc in Chemistry (Mandatory) 
• 3 years’ relevant Laboratory Experience (Mandatory)
• 4 years’ applicable Operations experience within a heavy industry environment (Mandatory)
• Computer Literacy (Recommended)

 

Why Join Tronox?

Our global reach is strengthened by our human connections. We challenge one another to deliver excellence and encourage our people to think big. Together, we develop innovations that make products vibrant and durable as we contribute to a cleaner world.  ​​

When you join Tronox, you’ll work with brilliant people, close to home and around the world. We offer a dynamic, supportive environment that empowers you to achieve your fullest potential — because we recognize that when you grow, we grow. 

In addition to offering a competitive salary and benefits, we provide a work experience that prioritizes what truly matters:

• We strive for excellence in safety and sustainability, focusing on what is critical to improve how we operate and to enhance the communities where we work and live.
• We provide challenging work and encourage innovative thinking, collaborating closely to bring our best ideas forward and add value for our customers.
• We invest in and value the success of our people, empowering them to take charge of their personal and professional development.
• We are unified globally and strengthened locally, leveraging the most culturally and geographically diverse team in the industry to connect better around the world.

We offer competitive salaries, provident fund, medical aid, 13th cheque, bonus scheme, life

insurance, health and wellness benefits, service awards, statutory and non-statutory leaves and other types of leave.  

 

Closing date: 04 November 2026

Please note that appointments will be made in accordance with Tronox Employment Equity Policy.

Note: A background check will be done on applicants, and successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination prior to commencing duties.