The primary function of the Head of Chemistry is ensure the laboratories operate efficiently, within agreed budgets and to provide on time delivery of quality assured results to our internal and external customers.

Assuming a strategic role in the overall management and performing a variety of leadership responsibilities within the assigned location, to ensure technical excellence, efficiency in delivery, resource allocation, client management, HSE & Quality management, while actively interacting with other laboratory managers, finance managers, business development managers and HSE & Quality team members.

Maintain effective communication with managers, colleagues, and suppliers to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratories.

SAFETY

• Maintain a safe and clean working environment in the laboratory.
• Foster a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement. Promotion of and compliance with company health and safety requirements, adopting a proactive safety attitude to ensure the safety of all colleagues.
• Ensure that the laboratory is always kept clean and tidy. All samples and chemicals are delivered to the correct area for disposed in the correct waste stream and consumables, chemicals and client samples are efficiently stored in their assigned storage location.
• Care for own and colleague Health and Safety and be prepared to stop work rather than to proceed with working in unsafe conditions.

QUALITY

• Ensure that all work carried in out the department complies with documented procedures and samples are handled and stored correctly.
• Own the Quality KPI for the department and evaluate data, identify problems, and find effective solutions.
• Uphold Elements reputation and values always demonstrating the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Investigate queries and non-conformities, resolving problems. Escalate non-conformances to close out for technical, quality or senior management only after attempting to resolve first via own efforts and department team.
• Work to ensure that the agreed quality standards and requirements e.g. calibrations, AQC charts etc. are continually adhered to by all members of the department, are met for all tests and to work to Singlas (ISO 17025) requirements for accredited activities.
• Maintain a high standard of personal knowledge and skills relevant to role through self-directed learning.

DELIVERY

• Strive for continuous improvement to On Time Delivery, leading or facilitating projects to achieve better results.
• Manage the workload and ensuring that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks.
• Project manage new methods/equipment and assist with method review as needed.
• Aid in the analysis of samples when needed.
• Inform Operations Manager and/or General manager if resources (staff or equipment) are inadequate to meet demands.

COST

• Planning and analysing budgets and expenditures, monitoring ‘cost per task’.
• Own the manpower cost per task, balancing delivery and profitability needs and recommending replacement / non-replacement or growth roles accordingly.
• Monitoring costs of consumables and researching opportunities to reduce expenses.
• Supporting a LEAN and 5S culture within the laboratory.
• Strive for continuous improvement in the relationship between work volumes and manpower cost, including leading or facilitating projects to achieve better results.

PEOPLE

• Efficiently organise team ensuring samples are analysed to a high standard by suitably trained staff members within the scheduled time.
• Carry out 1 to 1 s and effectively lead, coach and mentor the team. Including promotion of desired behaviours as well as application of operational and technical skills and knowledge
• Strive for enhanced engagement, through a focus on development of staff, good communication and seeking to lead a productive but happy working environment.
• Oversee training to relevant staff on methods, safety protocols and compliance measures.
• Setting clear goals for performance and deadlines in ways that align with the company values
• Talent planning for the future i.e. engage in succession planning & talent development plan.
• Monitoring employee productivity and provide constructive feedback.
• Maintain timekeeping and personnel records.
• Communicate information effectively and in a timely manner to all relevant colleagues, suppliers and engineers.
• Establish collaborative working relationships with other department managers, functions and support roles.
• Represents Element with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times
• Ad hoc duties as required.

• Scientific Degree or equivalent.
• Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of the laboratory operational activities.
• Minimum of 10 years Laboratory and Managerial/Leadership Experience.

#LI-CL1

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job,  please email Recruitment@element.com”