Sample Preparation Supervisor

About Saudi Gold Refinery

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is a Saudi mining and precious-metals company specialized in the refining of gold and precious metals, bullion production, and value-added precious-metal services. Operating within the Kingdom’s mining value chain, SGR is aligned to the Vision 2030 mining pillar and to the regulatory framework set by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) and applicable Saudi and international standards.

We produce responsibly sourced, traceable, and certified bullion, operate to LBMA Good Delivery and ISO-aligned quality standards, and invest in the people, processes, and controls behind every bar we produce.

Saudi Gold Refinery (SGR) is seeking a Sample Preparation Supervisor in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to lead the physical and chemical preparation of gold dore and exploration samples. This role ensures that all subsampling activities meet ISO 17025 standards and support the accurate assay results required for our refining operations. The supervisor will manage a team of technicians in a fast-paced laboratory environment, enforcing strict chain-of-custody and safety protocols.

The Sample Preparation Supervisor will report directly to the Lab Manager and will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of our analytical data from receipt to pulp delivery. This position is critical for supporting SGR’s commitment to quality and transparency in the Saudi mining value chain.

The Sample Preparation Supervisor will be responsible for the following key areas:

The role manages the daily intake, crushing, milling, and splitting of dore and core samples to ensure timely delivery to the assay lab. This involves monitoring throughput rates and adjusting shift resources to meet turnaround time targets.

This position enforces ISO 17025 standards by conducting regular duplicate checks and equipment calibration verifications. The supervisor investigates any quality deviations and implements corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

The supervisor ensures all team members adhere to Permit-to-Work and Lockout/Tagout procedures during equipment operation and maintenance. Regular safety drills and inspections are conducted to maintain a zero-harm workplace.

This role coordinates with the maintenance team to schedule preventive servicing for crushers and mills. It also tracks spare parts inventory to minimize downtime caused by mechanical failures.

The position maintains rigorous chain-of-custody records for all high-value precious metal samples entering the facility. Any discrepancies in weight or labeling are reported immediately to the Lab Manager and Security.

The supervisor develops and delivers technical training programs for new and existing sample preparation technicians. Competency assessments are conducted quarterly to ensure staff proficiency in standard operating procedures.

This role monitors stock levels of grinding media, crucibles, and other consumables required for daily operations. Requisition orders are placed in advance to prevent operational delays due to material shortages.

The supervisor generates daily production reports detailing sample volumes, equipment status, and safety observations. These reports are submitted to the Lab Manager to support broader operational decision-making.

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Chemistry, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline.
• At least five years of hands‑on experience in sample preparation within a mining or refining laboratory.
• Proven track record of supervising shift‑based technical teams in an industrial setting.
• In‑depth knowledge of ISO 17025 requirements for laboratory competence and quality management.
• Technical proficiency in operating and maintaining jaw crushers, ring mills, and pulverizers.
• Strong understanding of chain‑of‑custody principles for precious metals and hazardous materials.
• Excellent command of English for technical…