Laboratory Supervisor

Job Description

Job summary
The Laboratory Supervisor oversees laboratory and colour kitchen operations, ensuring consistent
implementation of dye and chemical specifications, testing standards, and quality assurance protocols under the
guidance of the Laboratory Executive. The role upholds product quality, shade accuracy, and compliance with
international standards on quality, environmental management and industry requirements, supporting
sustainable, export-ready textile manufacturing.
Key roles and responsibilities
• Laboratory & Chemical Operations
– Implement approved laboratory and dye-house procedures, ensuring accuracy and consistency in
chemical preparation and testing.
– Prepare, standardise, and verify reagents, dyes, and auxiliaries before release to production.
– Inspect and test incoming dyes and chemicals for conformity with Supply Chain & Procurement and
Quality specifications.
– Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment calibration, and accurate documentation for all tests and
formulations.
• Colour Matching & Shade Control
– Execute approved colour recipes and conduct lab dips to ensure accurate shade matching.
– Verify colour outcomes against approved standards and customer specifications.
– Monitor dyeing parameters, temperature, pH, time, and concentration, to minimise shade variation.
– Recommend corrective actions for shade deviations and process inconsistencies.
• Production Support & Process Control
– Coordinate transfer of laboratory-approved recipes to bulk production, ensuring reproducibility.
– Check fabric readiness (scouring, absorbency, and cleanliness) prior to dyeing and finishing.
– Supervise mixing and dosing of dyes, auxiliaries, and chemicals for production batches.
– Support calibration and maintenance of laboratory and production testing equipment.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
– Conduct routine and special tests on dyes, auxiliaries, and finished fabrics to ensure adherence to
specifications.
– Implement laboratory procedures aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OEKO-TEX® compliance
frameworks.
– Support internal and external audits, documentation, and follow-up on non-conformities.
– Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives targeting process efficiency and quality consistency.
• Research, Innovation & Sustainability
– Support the development and testing of new dyes, auxiliaries, and sustainable chemicals.
– Evaluate and recommend eco-friendly alternatives to improve environmental compliance.
– Collect and analyse test data to propose process improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Management
– Enforce proper chemical handling, labelling, and disposal according to safety and environmental
standards.
– Maintain updated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure staff adherence to safety protocols.
– Conduct safety briefings and report any incidents, chemical spills, or potential hazards promptly.
• Team Leadership & Reporting
– Supervise laboratory assistants, colour kitchen technicians, and interns to ensure adherence to standards
and productivity targets.
– Prepare and submit laboratory reports on quality, process deviations, and performance trends.
– Requisition laboratory consumables and ensure cost-effective use of materials.
– Mentor team members through on-the-job coaching and skills enhancement initiatives.
• Compliance with Vistari’s Corporate Systems
– Apply the highest standards of internal controls and risk management practices and behaviours and
embed a positive risk and control culture.
– Demonstrate prudence, sound judgement, and appropriate and timely escalations in management of all
types of risk (including fraud risk) applicable to the role.
– Promote and adhere to Vistari’s core values and ensure compliance with organisational policies and
procedures, collective agreements, and statutory employment standards.
– Maintain zero tolerance to bribery, fraud, and corruption, and ensure the immediate reporting of any
corruption or suspect behaviour that threatens Vistari’s reputation.
– Adhere to the safeguarding policies and procedures and immediately report any safeguarding concerns.
– Any other related responsibilities that may be assigned by the Line Manager from time to time