R&D Manager jobs

We require assistance recruiting a Laboratory Manager / Quality Manager to take responsibility for laboratory operations, technical oversight, staff management and the quality management system.

The successful candidate will oversee testing across seed, plant, feed, food, molecular, GMO, chemical and food-safety applications within the laboratory’s approved scope. This is a hands-on management role requiring practical laboratory testing, data analysis and interpretation alongside leadership and quality management responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and manage daily laboratory operations, workloads and resources to meet agreed turnaround times.
• Supervise, develop and assess laboratory staff, ensuring personnel are competent and authorised for assigned activities.
• Personally perform assigned laboratory testing and interpret data within documented competence and technical authority.
• Oversee technical review and authorised release of results, ensuring failed controls, unusual results and non-conforming work are investigated before release.
• Maintain and improve the quality management system in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, ISTA, DALRRD and other applicable requirements.
• Coordinate internal audits, accreditation assessments, management reviews, proficiency testing and corrective actions.
• Maintain effective document control, sample traceability and accurate laboratory records.
• Manage equipment calibration and maintenance, facilities, stock, suppliers and laboratory expenditure.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety procedures, data integrity standards, confidentiality and POPIA requirements.
• Manage customer enquiries and complaints, monitor performance and report significant risks and improvement priorities to senior management.

Candidate profile

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong technical knowledge of laboratory methods, method verification or validation, quality control, data interpretation and result review.
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISTA requirements applicable to the laboratory’s scope.
• Practical laboratory competence and the ability to remain actively involved in bench work.
• Strong leadership skills, including work allocation, coaching, competence assessment and performance management.
• The ability to investigate non-conformances, establish root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills, with consistently high standards of documentation.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to engage professionally with employees, customers, auditors and senior management.
• Sound understanding of laboratory safety, data integrity, confidentiality and secure release of results.
• Commercial awareness, including budget, stock and turnaround-time management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, laboratory information systems and routine performance reporting.
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to impartial technical decisions and transparent reporting.
  

• MSc/PhD with minimum 4 years' relevant experience in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.