Quality Assurance Manager/ Laboratory Manager/ Product Development

Implement/maintain quality system-laboratory, as well as company. Implement/maintain safety system-laboratory Reduce downtime, scrap & customer complaints Develop new products-more cost-effective/ better quality Internal & external client liaison

Setting up and maintaining ISO 9002 quality system for the laboratory.
Setting up and maintaining safety system for the laboratory.
Managing a team of 14 analysts, one technician and one polymer chemist.
Customer services including COAs, customer complaints and special customer requests
Compiling test methods
Collating test data and reporting to Management and customers
Re-engineering QA system to comply with ISO 9002,
Investigation of various problem areas including Goods Returns, product quality.
Investigating alternative raw materials in terms of cost savings, development of new products.
Raw Material supplier audits and internal audits to ensure compliance.
Optimisation of extrusion processes.
Customer complaints, Customer liaison and Customer queries.
Feasibility studies.
Liaison with SABS and QA Director on quality related issues.
Reporting on problem areas and implementation of corrective action
Stay abreast of new developments in plastics

Honours degree in chemistry (4-year degree) obtained at RAU, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Completed three years towards an MBA (did not complete the thesis)
Various computer courses
Project Management CCertificate
Problem Solving Skills Certificate

I have 20+ years experience in polymers, specialising in Product Engineering, optimising of polymer formulations wrt cost and performance, and processing of polymers.

In addition to this I have 5+ years experience in Quality Assurance.

I also have experience of production planning, sales and marketing.