Head of Chemistry

Key Functions

Execution & results. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and practices for Health, Safety & Environment and Quality; Profit and Loss responsibility and accountability for laboratory financial performance; Drive and Execute in relation to operational performance; Deliver results in line with forecasts and expectations; Ensure that customer’s technical, quality and delivery requirements are satisfied.

Strategy – Formulate and execute a strategy to grow the business with a primary focus on organic growth; Ensure development of technical services and processes in support of growth strategy with prime focus on testing services relating to the environmental chemistry sector.

Sales/Commercial/Go To Market Strategy – Build and maintain effective relations with clients to enhance the laboratory’s profitability. Work with the sales team to set targets and to ensure budgeted sales are achieved ; Actively support, and where necessary lead major customer proposals and contracts; Serve as a key relationship partner for high level customer engagements. Ensure that reports and quotes satisfy requirements for contract review, technical content, and minimize legal risk.

Process/Performance Improvement - Enhance skills and processes across the businesses through a focus on continuous improvement; effectively deploy a management tool box with analysis to drive appropriate KPI’s/metric improvement.

Leadership/People Management – Develop and build a high performing team; Build technical strength and ensure all staff are adequately trained to perform their duties. Create a culture of ‘can do’ and ensure high levels of staff engagement and productivity. Provide regular, timely communications and feedback to employees. Provide dynamic hands-on leadership to team to ensure a consistent application of standards, values, and improvement tools

Roles and Responsibilities

Management System

• Monthly reporting on lab P&L and other KPIs
• Adhere to Element Quality and SHE management system policies and procedures.
• Assist with hazard identification and risk assessment exercises within their areas of responsibility.
• Monitor day-to-day health and safety in area of responsibility and ensure all hazards, near misses and accidents are reported.

Technical and Business Development Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to the team on the services provided by the company to its customers.
• Plan daily operation for execution as per agreed timelines with customers.
• Train the technical personnel in the job requirements.
• Take responsibility for the budgeted numbers and strive to overachieve the targets month after month.
• Strive and achieve 100 % customer satisfaction by timely reports, by providing technical advice to customers, when needed and proactively anticipate and satisfy the customer needs.
• Be abreast of the latest developments in the field.
• Inter-department/location co-ordination and work as “One Company One Team” both internally and externally
• Provide timely reports on the activities and future outlook for the business.
• Any other duties and responsibilities assigned and agreed from time to time.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Work with other functions and employees to maximize employee retention.
• Conduct regular team meetings with specific emphasis on HSE, technical updates, etc.
• Define training plans for the team.
• Motivate the team for superior performance and be a conduit between employee’s needs and the company.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Departmental responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving conflicts.