Laboratory Manager

National Asphalt invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for Laboratory Manager positions at various sites across the country. Successful candidates must be willing to relocate and travel as required. The role is responsible for managing daily laboratory operations, supervising personnel, and ensuring that testing and research activities are conducted accurately and efficiently. This includes maintaining reliable records and ensuring compliance with applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational Management

• Plan, coordinate and supervise daily laboratory activities and workflows to ensure timely, accurate testing and sample analysis.
• Maintain laboratory facilities and testing conditions in accordance with applicable ISO, legal and test-standard requirements.
• Ensure equipment is serviced and recalibrated before calibration validity expires; coordinate preventive maintenance and prompt repairs following breakdowns.
• Ensure samples and materials are handled safely and correctly throughout the laboratory.

Staff Management

• Lead, train and evaluate laboratory staff to support high performance and compliance with protocols.
• Schedule shifts and allocate tasks to optimise productivity.
• Promote a culture of safety, accuracy and continuous improvement.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Implement and monitor quality control procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable laboratory standards and requirements, including ISO 17025 and SANAS.
• Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensure testing follows documented methods and reference standards.
• Initiate interlaboratory comparisons and evaluate the results.
• Ensure measurement uncertainty is calculated periodically for each test parameter.
• Prepare for and participate in audits and inspections and ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.

Reporting, Documentation & Supplies

• Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities, testing, results and quality control; review and authorise daily laboratory records.
• Prepare daily quality control test plans and reports and generate reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify consumable requirements with laboratory staff, manage supplies inventory and procure items as needed.

Research & Development

• Support research and development initiatives with technical input and laboratory resources, collaborating with other departments on product development and testing.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA:

• Grade 12 and a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years’ asphalt laboratory experience, with a minimum of 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Business acumen
• Report-writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Good communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Show commitment to teamwork and a willingness to go the extra mile to achieve team objectives.