Manager, Packaging & Non-metallic Materials & Furniture Branch €“ Science & Technology Division

Job Summary:

The Manager supervises Senior Analyst, Engineers, Technicians, Analysts, Administrative Assistants, and Laboratory Attendants, providing technical and administrative guidance regarding the activities of the Department in order to meet Divisional/Branch objectives. To provide analytical and testing services on food and non-food samples from local and regional manufacturers, importers and customers both internally and externally. To provide analytical and testing services on Non-Metallic, Packaging Materials, Paints and Surface Coatings, Footwear, Labeling assessments, Furniture testing && Inspections from local and regional manufacturers, importers and customers both internally and externally. 

Core Functions:

• Provide general supervision and/or conduct testing on samples submitted to the Laboratory.
• Review, interpret and approve test reports and other Branch documents either in hard or soft form.
• Justify and recruit staff for the section including maintenance of up-to-date job descriptions
• Research new test methods/equipment to improve analytical capacity and satisfy emerging demands.
• Conduct training and authorization of staff to do testing and use equipment. 
• Provide guidance and supervision to Laboratory Staff conducting routine activities
• Halt the testing, resumption, and repeat of work when non-conformances occur.
• Manage the implementation/maintenance of the quality system, accreditation and conform to any relevant procedures which have been adopted.
• Conduct biannual performance appraisals of personnel within the Branch and make appropriate recommendations.
• Manage the Preventative Maintenance and Calibration Programme for the equipment in the Branch
• Update and maintain all databases associated with the functions of the lab.
• Prepare and deliver annual management review. Create and deliver all minutes, action items and other associated records.
• Prepare and participate in the annual Internal Audit. Complete all associated reports and actions to close audit findings.
• Establish the critical processes along with the risks associated with each process step and execute a risk mitigation plan; collate, review and update Risk Registers and provide a status report in a timely manner.
• Identify opportunities and develop a plan to take advantage of these opportunities, usually reported on at Management Review Meetings (MRM).
• Draft specifications for procurement of new/replacement equipment. Supervise installation, commissioning and authorization of users.
• Arrange Proficiency Testing and Inter-comparisons. Record weakness/strength and document associated corrective actions were necessary
• Contribute to budget preparation, selection and procurement of new equipment
• Prepare monthly Departmental and Annual Reports for the Branch.
• Represent the Branch on technical and non-technical committees as well as at local and international fora.
• Manage the ordering, receipts and inventory of Laboratory reagents and consumable items.
• Oversee the accumulation, safe storage/handling and disposal of waste
• Administer company rules and policies
• Any other duties under the mandate of the branch.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required:

• Specialized Training and  deep working knowledge of  Packaging && Materials Technology
• Understanding of the Standards and Weights && Measures Acts && Regulations
• Highly developed critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills
• Supervisory Management
• Working knowledge of various standards including but not limited to ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001 and 14001
• Very good interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Strong project and task management skills
• Working knowledge of Government of Jamaica Procurement Procedures
• Ability to function with minimum supervision

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• M.Sc or MPhil. degree in, Mechanical, Materials Engineering, Applied Science or equivalent
• Specialized training in Dangerous Goods Assessment.
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory accreditation to international standards 
• Ability to use basic computer software and applications.
• Basic understanding of plumbing and electrical works.
• Minimum eight (8) years experience working in a laboratory or production position in the Packaging, Materials and Science Standardization field, of which at least three (3) year is in the supervisory or senior technical role

Please note that while we appreciate all applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.