Lab Manager (Footwear)

Be responsible for the management of one of team in the Softline Laboratory covering Footwear Testing.

Ensure the testing operations, quality performance, and people development of the team

Ensure that testing services are conducted efficiently, accurately, safely, and in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, accreditation requirements, SGS Code of Integrity, and customer requirements. 

 - Manage testing operations of team: Footwear Testing.

 - Ensure TAT achievement and optimize capacity, resources, and workflow.

 - Monitor KPIs: productivity, throughput, on-time delivery, complaints, and costs. 

- Act as the technical authority for physical testing.

 - Maintain expertise in testing standards and customer requirements.

 - Oversee proficiency testing, correlation studies, and lab comparisons.

 - Ensure technical competency of laboratory staff. 

- Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, accreditation, and quality requirements.

 - Monitor quality performance and measurement uncertainties. 

- Ensure compliance with HSE, regulatory, safety, and integrity requirements.

 - Maintain safe laboratory operations and equipment readiness.

 - Promote a strong safety culture and ethical standards. 

- Lead, coach, and develop laboratory teams.

 - Foster a high-performance, customer-focused culture.

 - Drive new testing capabilities and advanced service development aligned customer needs.

 - Promote automation of testing workflows, reporting processes, and data management systems

 - Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and digital automation projects.

- Bachelor's degree in: Textile Engineering, Garment Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Master's degree is an advantage

- 5+ years in textile, garment, footwear, or consumer product testing. Minimum 2 years in laboratory management or supervisory or team leader positions.

- Strong knowledge of physical testing methodologies for textiles and footwear is highly preferred.

- Experience managing ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories and with knowledge in VILAS requirements.

- Experience with international brands, retailers, and sourcing offices will be in advantage.

- Current or formerly VILAS approved signatory will be a definite advantage