Materials Specialist Manager

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Honours degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline (NQF Level
  8)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a technical or laboratory management role, including at least 2 years' experience in a technical customer service or product development environment
• Must have experience managing analytical and physical testing laboratories
• Proven expertise in polymer formulation, materials characterisation, and laboratory instrumentation
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Demonstrated experience supervising technical personnel and laboratory operations

• Providing technical leadership through first-hand experience in analytical and physical testing, independently performing testing, critically interpreting data, and making informed technical decisions without reliance on subordinate staff.
• Managing the daily operations of the Analytical and Physical Property Testing Laboratory.
• Leading and developing laboratory personnel to maximise productivity and technical capability.
• Supporting Technical Services with analytical investigations, formulation support, and competitor benchmarking.
• Supporting Operations, Procurement, QHSE, and Sales through technical investigations and problem-solving.
• Managing national and international product testing, approvals, and certifications.
• Maintaining approved raw material and supplier qualification systems.
• Developing and validating new analytical and physical testing methods.
• Maintaining laboratory instrumentation, calibration, and preventative maintenance programmes.
• Coordinating external testing where specialised analyses are required.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and laboratory best practices.
• Managing laboratory budgets, consumables, and capital equipment requirements.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency and turnaround times.
• Providing technical leadership in material characterisation and technology development projects.