Material Science Manager

SUMMARY:

Job Title: Material Science Manager
Location: KZN
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Type: Permanent  / Environment: Innovative Technical Research and Manufacturing

About the Role
A leading chemical manufacturing company based in KwaZulu-Natal, near Durban, is seeking an experienced Material Science Manager to lead its Analytical and Physical Property Testing Laboratory.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality analytical, instrumental, and mechanical testing services that support product innovation, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement, and commercial operations. You will oversee laboratory operations, maintain and enhance testing capabilities, ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality management requirements, and manage both national and international product approvals and certifications. In addition, the role is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, implementing best laboratory practices, and ensuring the laboratory remains equipped with the latest testing methodologies and technologies to support the company's strategic objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong materials science professional with proven laboratory leadership experience to join a well-established manufacturer and contribute to the development of innovative, high-quality products in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

POSITION INFO:

What you’ll be doing

• Manage the Material Science Laboratory
• Personally perform, interpret and validate analytical and physical analyses, providing expert technical support for product development, manufacturing, quality assurance, procurement and customer application
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory capability
• Provide technical leadership through first-hand experience in analytical and physical testing, ensuring the ability to independently perform testing, critically interpret data and make 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
• 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.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and laboratory best practices
• Managing laboratory budgets, consumables and capital equipment requirements
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency and turnaround times.

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Material Science, Polymer Science or related scientific discipline.
• NQF Level 8 qualification.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar technical or laboratory management role.
• At least 2 years' experience in a technical customer service or product development environment
• Experience managing analytical and physical testing laboratories.
• Experience with polymer formulation, materials characterisation and laboratory instrumentation
• Experience working with ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Experience supervising technical personnel and laboratory operations
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry and material science.
• Experience with international testing standards (ASTM, ISO, BS, SABS, AS/NZ).
• Root cause investigation and technical troubleshooting.
• Laboratory equipment management and method development

• Market related remuneration including benefits
• Lead a specialised Material Science Laboratory supporting one of South Africa's leading resin manufacturers
• Work with advanced analytical and physical testing equipment.
• Contribute to innovative product development and technology advancement
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Technical, Manufacturing, Procurement and Commercial functions.
• Lead nationally and internationally recognised product qualification and certification programmes.
• Participate in strategic projects that directly influence product quality, customer satisfaction and business growth.
• Access continuous professional development and opportunities to contribute to the expansion of the company's technical capabilities.

• Commitment to Safety, Customer Service, Integrity, and Innovation is at the heart of our success.
• We are looking for a results-driven Manager who has the ability to work under pressure and has a mindset of continuous improvement