Cement Laboratory Manager

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

The Manager, Chemistry Lab (Cement) will manage the daily operations of our cement and pozzolans testing laboratory. They are responsible for ensuring the highest standards in quality control, compliance, team leadership, and client service across a range of tests related to cement, concrete, aggregates, and associated materials.

The role requires a strong background in cement chemistry and testing methods, familiarity with industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, etc.), and exceptional organizational and communication skills.

This position is 100% on-site at the Lawrenceville, GA facility.

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the cement testing lab, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM, AASHTO, and other relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and improve laboratory quality systems and procedures, including equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Review and approve technical reports and test results before client delivery.
• Supervise maintenance and repairs of the applicable equipment and maintain records of these activities per GMP requirements.
• Supervise the Quality Control activities in the laboratory
• Supervise method development and validation of methods including the production of protocols, reports, procedures, and associated tests, and delegate these tasks to co-workers.

Technical Oversight

• Supervise and perform testing of cement, mortar, and concrete for physical and chemical properties (e.g., compressive strength, setting time, soundness, fineness, etc.).
• Familiar with chemical analysis of cement and pozzolans using XRF and TGA
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for testing procedures and equipment.
• Keep abreast of emerging testing technologies and changes in industry standards.
• Report the results of the tasks for the project managers to include in the project reports. This includes method details to express what was done, the observations, the results, and applicable figures, tables, and analysis

Team Leadership & Training

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of laboratory technicians and analysts.
• Provide ongoing training and ensure staff competencies meet technical and safety standards.
• Oversee performance evaluations and support professional development.
• Develop and grow group technicians with the intention of targeting their growth toward their strengths while still working to improve demonstrated weaknesses
• Communicate frequently and effectively with project managers regarding the status and prioritization of tasks
• Communicate regularly with technicians to discuss prioritization of tasks and assignment of personnel to specific tasks

Client Communication & Support

• Serve as the technical point of contact for client inquiries, troubleshooting, and project scoping.
• Interpret and explain complex test results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing proposals, quotes, and technical service agreements as needed.

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety within the laboratory environment.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant environmental and workplace safety regulations.
• Conduct periodic safety audits and participate in risk assessments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, civil engineering, materials science or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cement, concrete, or construction materials testing.
• 7+ years’ experience in an applicable lab, working in an ISO/IEC 17025 and/or cGMP environment
• In-depth knowledge of cementitious materials and relevant standards (ASTM C150, C109, C191, etc.).

Preferred:

• Master’s degree
• 2+ years of supervisory experience or management experience in a laboratory setting

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Language Skills: English
• Mathematical Skills: Intermediate required
• Reasoning Skills/Abilities: Advanced level required
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced chemical laboratory techniques
• Computer Skills: MS Office, Chromatographic Software

Licenses/ Certifications

• ACI, NICET, or CCRL certifications in relevant materials testing areas.
• ISO/IEC 17025 training or experience

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts
• Wealth: Competitive pay, matching 401(k) with immediate vesting upon enrollment, generous employee referral program, overtime (where applicable and with approval)
• Happiness:
  • Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, education assistance program
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off (vacation, sick, company holidays, volunteer time)

Working Conditions

• Primarily indoor laboratory environment: occasional field sampling or client site visits may be required.
• May involve lifting samples and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to chemicals and dust; appropriate PPE is required.

Physical Demands of the Job

• Stand Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Move or traverse Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Sit Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Use hands Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Reach with hands and arms Never (0%)
• Climb or balance Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Talk/hear Never (0%)
• Taste/Smell Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Lift/carry/push or pull Occasional (5% - 33%)

Environmental and Work Conditions

• Fumes or airborne particles Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Toxic or caustic chemicals Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Work with explosives Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Wet or humid (non-weather) conditions Never (0%)
• Work near moving mechanical pats Never (0%)
• Work in high, precarious places Never (0%)
• Outdoor weather conditions Never (0%)
• Extreme cold (non-weather) Never (0%)
• Extreme heat (non-weather) Never (0%)
• Risk of electrical shock Never (0%)
• Risk of radiation Never (0%)
• Vibration Never (0%)
• Biohazard Never (0%)

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.