Technical Manager

Technical Manager – Building Material Testing Lab

Job Title:
Technical Manager – Building Material Testing Lab

Location:
Patna, Bihar

Experience:
2 – 10 years

Qualification:
B.Sc. / M.Sc. / B.Tech. / M.Tech. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Role Overview

The technical manager will lead and manage technical operations in a building material testing laboratory. The role involves ensuring high-quality test results, maintaining laboratory standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025 or other relevant norms), supervising technical staff, and liaising with clients and other stakeholders. This person will be responsible for both hands-on technical work as well as management of lab processes, equipment, quality, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day technical operations of the lab.
• Ensure that test methods for building materials (e.g., concrete, steel, aggregates, cement, mortar, soils, etc.) are carried out correctly, following applicable national and international standards (IS, ASTM, ACI, EN, etc.).
• Maintain and improve the quality management system, ensuring compliance with standards such as
  ISO/IEC 17025
  ; manage audits, non-conformities, and corrective & preventive actions.
• Supervise, train, and mentor technical staff and lab technicians; assign tasks; monitor performance; and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure timely calibration and maintenance of equipment; oversee procurement of new instruments or replacements as needed.
• Manage sample reception, preparation, testing, data recording, analysis and report generation; ensure accuracy and integrity of test data.
• Interact with clients to understand testing requirements, clarify technical details, resolve complaints, and deliver reports.
• Maintain strict lab safety, environmental, and health protocols. Promote safe practices among staff.
• Control lab consumables and inventory of chemicals and materials; maintain stock levels; and ensure proper storage and disposal of waste.
• Collaborate with management in budgeting, cost control, and planning resource allocation (personnel, instruments).
• Keep up-to-date with the latest testing techniques, industry best practices, relevant codes, standards, and regulatory changes.

Requirements / Qualifications

Education:

• B.Sc / B.Tech / B.E. in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Construction Materials, or related discipline; OR
• M.Sc / M.Tech in the above fields is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of
  2 years' experience
  in a materials testing laboratory for the lower range; up to
  10 years
  for more senior levels.
• Hands-on experience with testing of building materials (concrete, aggregates, cement, soils) is essential.
• Experience or exposure to lab accreditation or certification (especially ISO/IEC 17025 or national equivalents) is strongly desirable.
• Experience in managing / supervising staff / technicians is a plus, especially for candidates towards the higher end of the experience bracket.

Skills:

• Strong technical background in testing methodologies, instrumentation, sample preparation, data analysis.
• Good knowledge of standards (IS, ASTM etc.) relevant to building material testing.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail.
• Good communication skills (verbal/written) to interact with clients, prepare reports, liaise with regulatory bodies.
• Leadership qualities, ability to train/mentor team members.
• Organizational skills: ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, prioritize work.
• Familiarity with lab management tools / software (LIMS if applicable) is a plus.

Personal Traits

• Integrity, reliability, responsibility.
• Problem-solver mindset, proactive in identifying issues and implementing solutions.
• Quality-oriented approach.
• Willingness to adhere to safety and environmental norms.

What the Candidate Gets / Benefits

• Opportunity to handle a variety of materials testing work and build technical expertise.
• Exposure to accreditation/certification processes.
• Chance to grow into senior roles as lab expands.
• Competitive salary and benefits, depending on experience and qualifications.