Laboratory Manager

Organization: LUMEN LTD

Department: Testing and Quality Assurance Laboratory

Reports To: Managing Director 

Directly Supervises: Laboratory Technicians, Quality Control Personnel

Position Status: Acting (Ag.) / Full-Time

1. Role Summary

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for the overall technical operations, quality management, and administrative performance of the LUMEN LTD testing laboratory. This role ensures the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of the facility, delivering technically valid and reliable test results to clients in compliance with international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025) and relevant testing norms (e.g., BS, ASTM, EN).

2. Key Responsibilities (ISO/IEC 17025 & Technical)

2.1 Quality Management System (QMS)

• QMS Implementation: Establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve the laboratory's management system in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

• Documentation Control: Ensure all quality manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test methods, and technical records are current, controlled, and implemented.

• Impartiality & Confidentiality: Protect the impartiality of laboratory activities and ensure the confidentiality of client information and results.

2.2 Technical Operations and Competence

• Method Selection: Select, verify, and validate appropriate test methods and procedures for all laboratory activities (e.g., Compressive Strength, Density, Gradation).

• Personnel Management: Assess and document the competence requirements for all laboratory staff. Oversee training, supervision, and authorization of personnel for specific tests and reporting functions.

• Non-Conforming Work: Manage the process for identifying, documenting, and resolving non-conforming work, including implementing corrective actions.

• Data Integrity: Ensure the validity of test results through robust quality control checks, inter-laboratory comparisons, and statistical analysis.

2.3 Equipment and Metrological Traceability

• Equipment Control (Clause 6.4): Maintain a comprehensive equipment management program, including purchasing, commissioning, maintenance, and intermediate checks.

• Calibration (Clause 6.5): Establish and maintain the laboratory's metrological traceability by ensuring all measuring and testing equipment (e.g., Compression Testing Machine LMN/LAB 094) is calibrated by competent bodies and is fit for its intended use.

• Uncertainty Evaluation: Oversee the estimation and reporting of Measurement Uncertainty ($U$) for all quantitative test results, especially where uncertainty affects a statement of conformity.

2.4 Reporting and Authorization

• Report Review: Critically review all draft test reports for technical accuracy, compliance with the requested method, and correct reporting of results and units.

• Report Verification (As per existing report): Provide the Verified By signature, certifying that the data processing, interpretation, and reporting format meet internal quality standards and client specifications.

• Statements of Conformity: Ensure reports include clear Statements of Conformity (Pass/Fail) against specifications (e.g., BS EN 206), along with the explicitly documented Decision Rule used for assessment.

3. Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a construction or materials testing laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or quality assurance role.

• Technical Knowledge: Deep practical and theoretical knowledge of relevant testing standards (BS, ASTM, EN) and laboratory quality control practices.

• Certification: Proven knowledge of implementing or auditing ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is highly desirable.

4. Performance Indicators

• Compliance Rate of Test Reports (Zero reports rejected due to errors).

• Maintenance of ISO/IEC 17025 QMS.

• Timeliness of equipment calibration and maintenance.

• Staff competency and training completion rates.