Department Manager

Department Manager I at Element Materials Technology

Element is offering the role of Department Manager I. This position is a member of the operational leadership team, reporting to the Operations Manager or General Manager, and is responsible for delivering timely and accurate test results. All operational leadership positions must possess proficiency in core business skills, including compliance with safety rules, a code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.

• Responsible for the department's safety performance and awareness; spearheads and manages initiatives that drive a culture of safety first.
• Under the direction of the Operations Manager and / or General Manager, helps lead the efficient operation and growth of the assigned department.
• Plan, assign and schedule work for designated staff.
• Assists in the engineering and coordination of projects from start to finish.
• Works to assure quality, timeliness, consistency and accuracy of test reports.
• Demonstrates knowledge of Element capabilities, processes and expertise to be able to clearly explain the benefits of Element testing services.
• Represents Element with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Promotes and ensures the Element quality assurance and safety program initiatives are executed upon.
• Responsible and accountable for assigned staff decisions to include hiring, performance management, performance review decisions, execution, and approval of overtime and time cards.
• Works with assigned staff to ensure work schedules are maintained and balanced.
• Maintains an environment of respect and dignity within the department covering employee interactions and problem solving while ensuring work rules are known and followed.
• Manages a team with fairness and consistency and takes interest in the development of direct reports.
• Provides general administrative functions as required (invoicing, job list upkeep, supply report data for creation).
• Reviews testing services and promotes additional capacity and process improvement.
• Translates technical requirements of the client into providing pricing, timing and technical knowledge for quoting and commercial efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university and / or a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership role; a diploma or GED certificate preferred.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety with extensive knowledge of the current suite of testing capabilities.
• Ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, test plans and/or blueprints.
• Strong computer skills and basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry; a plus.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. on occasion and stand on feet for long periods of time.
• Technical leadership is vital to the production and operation of assigned tests with advanced working knowledge to operate various testing equipment.
• Ability to communicate (written and oral) effectively with clients and colleagues with great attention to detail and timing of results.
• Proven ability to multi‑task and work under strict timelines.
• Organizational, problem‑solving and conflict‑resolution skills to effectively establish and maintain two‑way communications to understand the needs and concerns.
• Understanding of continuous improvement disciplines such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, etc. preferred.

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally, we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’. When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose.

From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access. While we are proud of our global reach, working at…