Manager, Testing and Industrial Services

Reporting Relationships: 

Report to:

• Director, Metrology and Testing 

Supervises: 

• Technical Specialist 
• Senior Technical Officer 
• Technical Officers 
• Senior Technicians 
• Technicians 

Overview of Position: 

The Manager, Testing & Industrial Services, plans, co-ordinates, controls and provides technical support and leadership to the activities in order to meet divisional objectives. The main objective of the Metrology & Testing Division is to provide appropriate measuring, testing services and approval of new building systems according to the national building code to external and internal clients. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

Regular duties personally carried out 

Supervisory/Administrative Duties 

• Plans, organizes and controls the operations of the Department by performing general supervisory and HR functions. 
• Meets bi-weekly with team to monitor and assess divisional plans and progress and to make changes where necessary. 
• Develops and implement projects, which establish new or improved technology in the built environment testing and assist in the process of incorporating these technologies in plans/programmes of the division/BSJ.
• Manages the preparation of, and assuming final responsibility for all technical reports emanating from the Department. 
• Directs and provides advice on the testing of building materials submitted by industrial/commercial organisations, government agencies and any other members of the public. 
• Conducts Building System Assessment / Technical Evaluation according to the national building code 
• Initiates changes and improvements in methods and techniques by keeping abreast of technological developments in the variety, use, and methods of testing of construction materials, products and assemblies. 
• Plans the development and expansion of departmental functions to meet identified industrial/national needs through the preparation and submission of project documents for the Standards Council/GOJ for projects requiring local or international funding. 
• Prepares reports on the activities of the department as requested
• Participates in the planning and monitoring of the corporate, operational plans and budget of the Department within the organisational framework. 
• Checks and approves all requisitions made and job costing schedules prepared for the invoicing of clients. 
• Performs general procurement of supplies and equipment required by the laboratories in accordance with GOJ and BSJ Guidelines. 
• Facilitates international trade (export/import) by developing global confidence in local testing capabilities by ensuring that the department participates in and coordinate Inter-comparison / Proficiency Testing measurements exercise with other recognized standard body and testing laboratories. 
• Plans the development and expansion of departmental functions to meet identified industrial/national needs through the preparation and submission of project documents to Standards Council/GOJ for approval. 
• Prepares monthly and annual reports on the activities of the department, for presentation to the Standard Council through the Director, Metrology & Testing Division and Executive Director. 
• Represents BSJ at meetings and conferences as required. 
• Exercises general disciplinary control over the staff of the department, carry out semi annual and annual performance appraisals and make recommendations for promotion where necessary. 
• Participates in the recruitment process to fill various posts in the department (in collaboration with the Director, HR and Director, Metrology & Testing).
• Under the general direction of various technical committees, participates in the development and promulgation of Jamaican Standard Specification for the Built Environment. 
• Organize and direct tests, research and surveys into the performance and of the Testing & Industrial Services Branch services and apparatus as requested by the government, technical committees, consumers (through complaints) and private companies. 
• Advises the Director, Metrology & Testing Division, Executive Director, other Divisional Directors, and Government Officials on matters pertaining to the Built Environment on testing in the area of Testing & Industrial Services Branch.
• Collaborates with Standards Division and National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) to organize the work necessary for regular auditing of companies that are certified by the BSJ. 
• Gives technical advice that may guide BSJ’s representatives when voting on behalf of Jamaica with respect to the creation of international standards. 
• Collaborates with the Director, Metrology & Testing Division, and the Financial Manager to ensure optimum utilization of the department’s resources. 

Technical Duties Personally Carried Out 

• Participates in standards development and other committees and provides technical support as required 
• Provides the destructive and non-destructive testing services required by the local industrial and construction sectors in accordance with established standards and test methods 
• Participates in the formulation of strategies, policies and procedures.

Duties Directed Through Subordinates 

• Leads the process of preparing laboratories for international recognition, including development of their quality system 
• Represents the BSJ at different fora as required. 
• Assesses inventions and new designs of existing inventions as a basis for awarding patents. 
• Assesses proposed building systems to determine their suitability for local implementation. 
• Conducts technical auditing for authorization and certification programmes. Performs any other related duties as required 

Unusual requirements/working conditions: 

The position, due to its nature, may require: 

• Office environment 
• Laboratory work 
• Frequent long meetings 
• Extended work hours 
• Travelling locally and overseas 

Minimum Educational Requirements: 

• Master’s Degree in Construction Management/ Construction Project Management/ Materials Engineering/ Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering or Applied Science or equivalent 
• Specialized Training in Materials Testing and Quality 
• Specialized training in method validation, structural engineering, metrology, standards development or principles of a laboratory quality systems
• Conversant with Government Procedures for overseas travel, procurement, etc.
• Certification or training in Management (Human Resources or Supervisory)
• Advance computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite

Experience: 

• Preferably four (4) years’ experience in Construction Management, Construction Project Management, Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering, Building System Assessment/Technical Evaluation or Applied Science 
• Building System Assessment / Technical Evaluation according to the national building code. 
• Civil Engineering / Structural Engineering, Construction Management or Materials Engineering. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Working knowledge and understanding of measurement uncertainty 
• Working knowledge of the Standards Act, the Weights and Measures Act, and the Processed Foods Act. 
• Conversant with good laboratory safety principles 
• Working knowledge of Laboratory Quality Systems Procedures 
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills 
• Ability to function with minimum supervision 
• Excellent technical writing skills 
• Ability to transfer knowledge, to train others in the division and/or organization
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and delegate activities 
• Analytical and focused 
• Knowledge in Project Development and Management 
• Good interpersonal and communication (both oral and written) skills
• Excellent customer service skills 
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills 
• Flexible to cooperate with or assist in other areas outside his/her specialization