Manager:CRM and Technology Support (Hay level 19/D4) at NECSA

Job Profile:

• To provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Technology Support and Product Development Laboratory by developing innovative scientific products, technologies and services that support Necsa's commercial, research and national strategic objectives.
• The incumbent will oversee technology development, product commercialisation, laboratory operations, research programmes, quality management, business development and customer support while ensuring compliance with applicable national and international regulatory requirements.
• The position is responsible for transforming scientific knowledge into commercially viable products and technologies, expanding laboratory capabilities, identifying new market opportunities, and ensuring sustainable revenue growth through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Key Performance Areas:

Technology Development and Innovation

• Develop and implement the laboratory technology development strategy.
• Lead scientific research aimed at developing new analytical technologies, certified reference materials (CRMs), laboratory products and scientific services.
• Identify emerging technologies with commercial potential.
• Drive technology transfer from research to commercial application.
• Evaluate new technologies for adoption within laboratory operations.
• Lead product feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects.
• Develop intellectual property, patents and proprietary laboratory methodologies.
• Publish scientific papers and present research at national and international conferences.
• Promote innovation through collaboration with universities, research institutions and industry.

Product Development and Commercialisation

• Lead the development of new laboratory products and scientific services.
• Establish product development processes from concept through commercial launch.
• Conduct market research to identify customer requirements.
• Develop business cases for new products.
• Manage pilot production and product validation.
• Coordinate product registration where applicable.
• Develop product specifications and technical documentation.
• Monitor product performance after commercial release.
• Support continuous product improvement.

Laboratory Operations and Technical Management

• Ensure efficient laboratory operations.
• Ensure that labs have necessary accreditations (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation) and certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, cGMP, GLP, etc.).
• Ensure laboratory compliance with SANAS, NNR, SAHPRA and other applicable regulations.
• Put in place a system for development and validation new analytical methods.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains operational and technologically current.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programmes.
• Ensure technical competence of laboratory personnel.
• Approve technical reports and facilitate publication thereof.
• Monitor laboratory performance indicators including Turnaround Time (TAT), quality and productivity.

Business Development and Customer Support

• Identify new business opportunities.
• Develop strategic partnerships.
• Prepare technical proposals and tender responses.
• Secure external funding for technology development.
• Build relationships with industrial, government and international clients.
• Facilitate and at times lead commercial business negotiations.
• Promote laboratory products and capabilities.
• Prepare and manage marketing initiatives such as exhibitions and scientific events.

Human Capital

• Lead multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Develop staff competencies.
• Drive succession planning.
• Mentor scientists and technologists.
• Conduct performance management.
• Promote knowledge transfer.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement.

Financial and Resource Management

• Prepare annual operational and capital budgets.
• Manage laboratory expenditure.
• Optimise utilisation of laboratory resources.
• Ensure financial sustainability.
• Monitor project profitability.
• Develop investment proposals for new technologies. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• ISO/IEC 17025
• ISO 9001
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• Technology readiness levels (TRLs)
• Product lifecycle management
• Technology commercialisation
• Intellectual Property Management
• Research and Development methodologies
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• SANAS requirements
• Nuclear regulatory framework
• Occupational Health and Safety legislation
• PFMA and corporate governance
• Strategic planning
• Financial management

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Leadership competencies
• Product development
• Technology transfer
• Research leadership
• Scientific method development
• Experimental design
• Validation and verification
• Statistical data analysis
• Laboratory information systems
• Quality management systems
• Instrumentation management
• Technical report writing
• Proposal development
• Market analysis
• Innovation management

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Masters degree in Chemistry/Physics/Analytical Science/Materials Science/Nuclear Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• PhD will be an added advantage.
• Registration as a Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP) or equivalent professional body.
• Registration as a Radiation Worker and/or Chemical Worker where applicable.

Experience: 

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a scientific laboratory.
• At least 5 years in laboratory or research management.
• Demonstrated experience in technology development.
• Experience in product development and commercialisation.
• Experience in managing accredited laboratories.
• Experience in business development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience in implementing management systems such as Quality.
• Proven experience securing research or commercial funding