Technical Manager – Materials Testing Laboratory

About the role

SGS, a global inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is hiring a Technical Manager in Pretoria. The role supports the Supervisor/Laboratory Manager with supervisory tasks for materials testing, whether on site or in the commercial laboratory, and ensures results are checked and signed off before distribution.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure accreditation and health and safety requirements (SANAS, 5S) are met in the assigned laboratory(s).
• Ensure correct test methods are followed and that quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system are met.
• Assist technicians and reporting staff with jobs on site or in the laboratory, and stand in for the laboratory manager when needed.
• Ensure mandatory training is completed on time, quality documentation is up to date, and redundant documents are removed.
• Plan, roll out and document skills transfer, run inductions for new personnel, and ensure competency evaluations and training needs are addressed.
• Manage disciplinary procedures, assist with quotations and tenders, liaise with clients for job instructions, and approve reports before they are issued.
• Verify equipment calibration according to schedule, plan work, carry out corrective actions, and train personnel as required.
• Stop work that poses a safety hazard or affects service quality, and initiate formal improvement requests for deviations or nonconformities.

Required profile

• Grade 12 (NQF 4) or equivalent, or three years of relevant experience for each year of schooling below Grade 12.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing an industrial-related business, including human resources, commercial and financial, and business development aspects.
• Degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or equivalent laboratory experience recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning.
• Fluent English; regional preferred language is an asset.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 laboratory standards.
• Leadership, project coordination, communication and time management skills.