Lab Manager L2 at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

• The CSIR has a vacancy for a Laboratory Manager in the Transport Infrastructure Engineering (TIE) Impact Area within Smart Mobility (SM) cluster. The incumbent will manage the operations of the laboratories in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the TIE group and SM cluster. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Overall management of laboratory systems (all sections) ISO 17025, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 including health and safety.
• Provide technical expertise to the Smart Mobility cluster.
• Technical signatory for all areas managed. Ensure legal appointment of competent person to supervise machinery and ensure safety for Technology Innovation Centre (TIC)
• Authorise results or measurements with all the necessary checks completed as required by the quality system to ensure the validity of results (received the necessary training in ISO 17025).
• Understands the Technical Requirements of SANAS requirements specific to the responsibilities of signatories and the technical field of operation of the laboratory.
• Communicate with higher management regarding Road Materials Testing (RMT) operations
• Outline laboratory and technology innovation centre needs and strategic plans.
• Ensuring expansion of testing capabilities.
• Management and development of human resources.
• Optimise resource and equipment planning for the RMT.
• Be accessible to respond to emergencies.
• Ensure procurement of items and equipment are done efficiently.
• Ensure operational sustainability by maintaining adequate inventory.
• Ensure financial sustainability of the area.
• Budget to achieve financial targets of area.
• Project Management.
• Draft proposals for RMT and consultancy projects (ad-hoc mostly).
• Technical report writing for tests and consultations.
• Marketing/ representing RMT (and cluster) in industry and identify new business.
• opportunities for continual business development.
• Client liaison (internally and externally).
• Technical or business innovation.
• Keep up to date with technology and new methods.
• Keep staff motivated and satisfied with their job.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• B degree or a higher tech diploma in Natural Sciences or other relevant field with at least ten years on a management level/position.
• Business and financial skills to manage and ensure cooperation between the operations and finance units and take overall technical responsibility.
• Must have attention to details, strong financial acumen, effective management, ability to motivate staff, effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities, customer service, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the Laboratory Quality Management System and operations of the Laboratory and Road Materials Innovation workshop environments.
• In-depth knowledge of the test methods and methods requirements.
• General communication, strategic planning, management, people/team building skills, and presentation.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 17025, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 systems and OHSA
• Knowledge of road materials fundamentals for each section.
• Ability to multi-task and cope with industry pressures and demands.
• Computer literacy and technical proficient.
• Must be aware and compliant with the SANAS Regulations.
• Inclination to advanced technology.
• Knowledge of SANAS ISO standard for the labs.
• Knowledge of EHS systems.
• Ability to handle more than one issue at a time.
• Ability to cope with industry pressure and demands.
• Computer literacy.
• People/team building skills.
• Attention to detail.

Closing date: 13 November 2025