Laboratory Manager, Construction Materials Testing and Geotechnical Services

SOCOTEC•Nashville, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Principal Engineer in charge, this role will ensure the efficient daily operation of the Geotechnical and Construction Material Laboratory operations at our new Nashville location. SOCOTEC is looking for an autonomous self-starter who will relish the opportunity to set up a new laboratory focused on construction materials testing (soils, concrete, masonry, aggregate, asphalt) and geotechnical testing. Successful candidates will be responsible for supervising staff working in the lab, the general maintenance of laboratory equipment, quality assurance, safety, and lab productivity.

Requirements

BA/BS in a related discipline (BS in civil engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
5-10 years’ experience in leading and motivating a laboratory or technical group.
Experience in process driven operations and people management.
MS Excel and Word.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master degree or higher in a relevant area is preferred but not required.
Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required.
ACI and NICET certification in Construction Materials Testing, including soils, concrete, or asphalt, and TDOT certifications are preferred.
Required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of your start date if not already held.
Experience in soil and rock laboratory work is preferred.
Mechanically inclined to help with equipment troubleshooting and repairs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage, oversee, perform testing, review, and submit testing results for soils, concrete, masonry, asphalt, aggregate, and related construction materials testing, as well as geotechnical related testing.
Generate, calculate, and compile laboratory testing reports and issue to clients and supervise others performing the same.
Maintain and organize laboratory workload to meet given deadlines and be proactive in assessing bottlenecks in workflows and processes to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
Oversees overall lab testing procedures, including setup, application of loads, instrumentation, data acquisition, analyses, and cleanup.
Ensure the timely entry of lab KPI’s and billing information weekly.
Identifies needs and performs the required research for new testing procedures.
Maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure testing is in accordance with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, AASHTO re:source, CCRL, and company quality system requirements.
Support laboratory accreditation readiness activities, including document control, equipment records, calibration files, technician competency records, internal audits, and corrective action follow up.
Oversee equipment calibrations, maintenance, upgrades, procurement and repairs.
Internal and external communication with outside clients and CED staff.
Coordinate with Nashville field staff, project managers, clients, and contractors to support timely sample intake, testing priorities, reporting, and project communication.
Assist in cultivating client relationships with existing and new clients.
Ensure that the lab is clean, organized, and adequately stocked, including but not limited to supply inventory, labeling, and record-keeping procedures
Oversee lab safety and lab SOP (standard operating procedures), including but not limited to proper specimen and chemical handling, disposal, and storage processes and procedures.
Communicating effectively and efficiently with contractors, clients, and team members.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned by their manager.
The omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude the laboratory director from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.