Laboratory Manager - Geotechnical Lab

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

We are seeking an experienced a Geotechnical Laboratory Manager to lead and manage our geotechnical laboratory operations, ensuring technical excellence, quality compliance, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate must possess strong expertise in advanced geotechnical testing, laboratory accreditation, quality management systems, and proven leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage and oversee all day-to-day geotechnical laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery of testing services.
• Lead, supervise, and manage laboratory engineers, technicians, and support personnel, ensuring technical competency and productivity.
• Oversee advanced geotechnical laboratory testing, particularly Triaxial, Consolidation, Direct Shear, and Permeability Tests, along with other soil classification and engineering tests.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with applicable ASTM, BS, AASHTO, and other relevant international standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Lead laboratory accreditation processes, internal and external audits, assessments, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure the technical validity, accuracy, and reliability of test results and laboratory reports.
• Manage laboratory equipment, including calibration, maintenance, verification, and procurement requirements.
• Establish and monitor laboratory operational procedures, performance indicators, resource utilization, and quality objectives.
• Maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants, project teams, and other stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction and service quality.
• Manage laboratory budgets, operational costs, and resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related  discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering and laboratory testing, including substantial laboratory management experience.
• Proven experience independently managing and operating a geotechnical or soil testing laboratory.
• Strong hands-on technical knowledge and practical experience in advanced geotechnical testing. 
• Demonstrated experience in implementing, maintaining, and managing ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and quality management systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ASTM, BS, AASHTO, and other relevant international testing standards.
• Proven ability to manage laboratory personnel, equipment, resources, operational activities, and client relationships independently.
• Experience in laboratory audits, equipment calibration, technical assessments, and quality assurance procedures.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and technical decision-making skills.
• Previous experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC will be an advantage.

• Experience working in the Middle East region is prefetable