Key Responsibilities:
Understand the importance and conform to the requirements of the various health; safety; quality and environment policies and procedures.
Strive for a 100% safety record. (TF1 = 0.0; TF2 = 0.0)
Keep work areas neat and tidy at all times.
Become the “Paper Champion” for company with regards to technical knowledge and testing/evaluation standards/specifications for paper related raw materials and products.
Perform relevant chemical and physical tests on paper related materials and products utilized within the product manufacturing and packaging processes. (Paper liners for plasterboard manufacturing; paper bags for plaster packaging; paper waste from recycling processes; etc.)
Assist with product development and resolve any paper related problems.
Assist with technical matters related to paper sourcing.
Work upon and manage multiple development projects in which paper is utilized as a “raw material” in our products.
Investigate new or alternative testing methods to keep improving testing techniques and streamline efficiency.
Assist the process teams during plant trials to qualify new or alternative paper liners and packaging bags for utilization in the manufacturing processes of plaster board; gypsum cove and bagged plasters.
Assist with investigating of complicated customer complaints which might related to paper quality or paper defects.
Timeously record and verify all test results and accurately report work progress for each project,
Verify all certificate of analysis from suppliers against specifications and report any exceptions.
Write technical reports which state findings of investigations and suggested recommendations to improve; rectify; change; replace or adjust processes; formulations and raw materials to obtain the desired objectives.
Save all hard copies and digital format of results in a secure location either in the R & D archives or on company's network.
Adhere to company policy and procedures regarding the use of the company network and internet.
Comply with company secrecy and non-disclosure agreements to protect intellectual property rights and trade secrets.
Assist with maintaining all relevant test apparatus in a clean and proper functioning condition, ensuring that all equipment complies with the required standard.
Assist the R & D Manager with pro-active identification of wearing or ageing equipment.
Maintain a service and calibration schedule to ensure equipment is in 100% working condition.
Follow standard safe operating procedures for all test and test equipment used.
Compile standard safe operating procedure manuals for all new testing equipment.
Assist with stock control for all chemicals and consumables in the R & D laboratory.
When required, assist with the recruitment and training of new R &D personnel as well as the internal training of operational staff.
Inter-act with various individuals and process teams within and outside of the business to assist with technical matters related to paper as well as to gain in-depth knowledge on paper utilization during plasterboard manufacturing and plasters packaging.

Minimum Requirements :
National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.
3 - 5 years working experience in a paper testing laboratory and paper production environment.
Very practical/ “hands-on” with conducting laboratory tests.
Analytical and problem solving skills
Good knowledge of standards for laboratory safety.
Computer literate in Word; Excel and PowerPoint.
Good technical report writing, presentation and communication skills.
Team leadership and project management experience.
Willingness to travel nationally from time to time