R & D MANAGER , DURBAN, RNEG + BEN

• BSc Degree (CHEMICAL)
• A minimum of five year’s working experience in laboratory, quality control and the R&D functions preferably in the specialty chemicals/construction/polymer materials sector.
• To have managed a team to control projects with positive and quick results.
• A track record of success in developing new products(formulation from first principles)
• Must have managed a staff complement of several people.
• Must have be familiar with resin, polymer, bitumen and epoxy systems.
• Must be competent in research and test conclusion report writing.
• Must have Production/Manufacturing/Process Control experience in a construction chemical environment.
Assume responsibility for the research and development and quality control functions for the Construction chemicals operation, with particular emphasis on transferring knowledge and technical expertise from the research and development laboratory in Durban; ensuring the highest standards within processing, product quality, identifying customers’ needs and developing new products/solutions to meet these needs. Direct Reporting to the Chief Chemist and functionally to the GM Technical Services.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish him or herself in the position, building on existing momentum without alienation of existing staff
• Rapidly develop an understanding of the R&D activities of the Group and the South African operation.
• Develop relationships with both existing customers and new customers; identify their needs and manage all aspects of new product development
• Liaise with the company’s chief chemist and General manager Technical to identify opportunities for new products
• Assume a pivotal role in championing quality within the company, implementing effective quality systems to ensure that all products are of the highest quality standards across the plant in conjunction with the factory production manager.
• Effectively manage all available resources in the quality control department and the R&D laboratory to achieve an acceptable business performance by:
• leading and developing staff
• setting, implementing and monitoring key tasks
• re-organising resources to maximise efficiency
• creating an ethos of excellence and desire for innovation and continuous improvement
• Create new MSDS’s and maintain the new GHS MSDS system and raw material directory.
• Contribute to the overall growth and development of the company