Technical Manager - Field Services

SGS North America Inc.; Lawrenceville (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS North America Inc. is seeking a Technical Manager - Field Services for our construction materials laboratory in Georgia. The ideal candidate will lead testing programs for concrete admixtures, plan projects, and coordinate with clients to meet specifications.

The role requires strong knowledge of ASTM, ACI, and DOT standards, plus project management and reporting. Occasional travel may be required as part of client engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in concrete technology, admixtures, or construction materials testing.
• Strong understanding of concrete mix design, performance requirements, and testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ACI, and DOT specifications for concrete materials.
• Very familiar with ASTM C494 testing and evaluation of admixtures.
• English Advanced required; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Project management experience with ability to coordinate multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple concrete admixtures testing projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients; ensure specifications are met.
• Coordinate with laboratory technicians, engineers, and QC personnel for timely testing.
• Follow laboratory procedures, test specifications, and safety policies.
• Interact with customers during testing; assist with troubleshooting and modifications.
• Maintain professionalism with vendors and colleagues; support continuous improvement.

Skills

Project management

Technical writing

Communication

Analytical skills

English (Advanced)

Laboratory data management

Statistical analysis

IT/Office software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Full-time Company Description

We are SGS - the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Technical Manager - Field Services to join our construction materials laboratory. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in concrete admixtures, mix designs, and performance evaluation. This role involves managing research and testing projects, coordinating with clients, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving innovation in admixture performance analysis. The Technical Manager performs a variety of technical evaluations, including setup based on project or client requirements, systematic data collection and documentation, and reporting test outcomes. They also oversee routine activities of technical staff to support daily operations.

Project Management & Coordination:

• Oversee and manage multiple concrete admixtures testing projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure efficient execution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their specifications and requirements are met.
• Coordinate with laboratory technicians, engineers, and quality control personnel to ensure accurate and timely testing.
• Understands customer orders, follows laboratory technical procedures and test specifications
• Interacts with customers during the testing process, periodically assists with troubleshooting and development, and schedule modifications
• Maintains a professional courteous manner with all vendors, contractors, and fellow employees
• Follows established Company policies
• Controls project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and plan, scheduling changes, and recommending actions
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Technical Expertise & Testing:

• Plan and supervise laboratory testing of concrete admixtures, including fresh and hardened concrete properties, rheology, durability, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure testing is performed according to ASTM, ACI, DOT, and other relevant industry standards.
• Evaluate the effects of chemical and mineral admixtures on concrete properties and provide recommendations.
• Troubleshoot mix design challenges and assess compatibility of admixtures with various cementitious materials.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and reporting of test results and project progress.
• Implement and uphold quality control protocols to ensure data integrity and accuracy.
• Performs tests in accordance with company policy and industry and regulatory standards.
• Abides by and ensures that all duties are performed in accordance with all Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE), Trade Compliance, and Quality practices, policies, and regulations

Client Relations & Business Development:

• Work closely with clients, including admixture manufacturers, contractors, ready-mix suppliers, and government agencies, to provide technical insights and solutions.
• Assist in proposal development, project bidding, and contract negotiations.
• Present findings and recommendations through technical reports, presentations, and client meetings.
• Always maintains customer confidentiality

Research & Innovation:

• Stay up to date with emerging trends in concrete technology and admixtures.
• Support research and development initiatives to enhance concrete performance and sustainability.
• Collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to technical publications, conferences, and workshops.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of test standards, product test procedures, and instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in concrete technology, admixtures, or construction materials testing
• Strong understanding of concrete mix design, performance requirements, and testing methodologies
• Familiarity with ASTM, ACI, and DOT specifications for concrete materials
• Very familiar with ASTM C494 testing and evaluation of admixtures
• Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities: English Advanced level of knowledge required
• Project management experience with proven ability to coordinate multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with statistical analysis software and laboratory data management systems is a plus.

Preferred Certifications

• ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level I or II

Travel

Occasional travel required (5%-33%)

Physical Demands of the Job

• Standing: Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Move or traverse: Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Sitting: Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Using hands: Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Reaching with hands and arms: Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Climbing or balancing: Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl: Never (0%)
• Talking/hearing: Occasional (5% - 33%)
• Tasting/Smelling: Frequent (34% - 66%)
• Lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling: Never (0%)

Additional Information

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

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