Laboratory Manager

Job description

About the Company
A reputable Clinical Cosmetics Research Company based in Observatory, Cape Town, with additional laboratories located in Panorama, is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to oversee and coordinate its technical and research operations.

The company conducts advanced clinical and cosmetic efficacy studies, partnering closely with global research institutions, including teams in France. This position requires a professional who combines scientific understanding, project management acumen, and team leadership to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and data integrity across multiple laboratory sites.
About the Role
The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the laboratories, ensuring efficient scheduling, documentation accuracy, and cross-functional coordination between local and international stakeholders. While laboratory experience is advantageous, project management experience is the preferred competency — essential for orchestrating studies, managing teams, and ensuring project milestones are met.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of six (6) laboratory technicians — two based at Panorama and four at Waverley.
• Manage study allocation, laboratory scheduling, and team workflows.
• Conduct team meetings, oversee documentation, and ensure adherence to laboratory procedures and quality standards.
• Liaise regularly with TSM/Operations, Data Management, and Quality Management teams, as well as France-based colleagues (Department Heads and Directors).
• Facilitate study progress updates, resolve data queries, and maintain strong international communication channels.
• Manage lab allocations, study assignments, and technician training alignment.
• Ensure proper study preparation, execution, and completion of technical documentation
• Oversee the full lifecycle of each study, providing support to data management post-study
• Participate in monthly Quality meetings and uphold compliance with IEC AS and company quality frameworks.
• Oversee calibration and verification of laboratory equipment (DECA) and maintain the Quality Management System (ENNOV).
• Adapt quickly to new laboratory equipment, study protocols, and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development and integration of new testing techniques and technologies relevant to clinical cosmetics research.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

• Organised, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable, eager to learn, and thrives in a high-performance research environment.

To Apply

Submit your CV and a short motivation letter outlining your relevant project management and clinical research experience to brieta@mweb.co.za.

Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 3 years’ Project Management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and coordinate multi-site research operations.
• Strong organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• Experience engaging senior and international stakeholders.

Advantageous:

• Previous experience in clinical research, cosmetic science, or laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ENNOV or equivalent).
• Understanding of clinical study protocols and cosmetic product testing.
• Organised, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable, eager to learn, and thrives in a high-performance research environment.

Posted on 22 Oct 11:15, Closing date 21 Dec