Technical Director, North America

SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.

Our brand promise, when you need to be sure, underscores our commitment to reliability, integrity and trust — enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

Please note the following: This position will require the employee to travel upwards of 75% of their time. 

 

The Technical Director is responsible for continuous technical improvement to ensure that new and existing methodologies are meeting the market requirements through routine review and development of existing procedures to improve the quality, efficiency, and productivity of the network. They are a subject matter expert and provide technical support across the EHS network within their areas of expertise.

Job functions:

• Provides support and technical direction to Lab Managers, General Managers, and VP, Operations
• Works with laboratories across the EHS network and Global Business Solutions to continuously improve lab technical capabilities and services
• Develops and validate methods, work instructions, & training for laboratory in the EHS network
• May be required to provide technical presentations to clients
• Provides technical interpretation of client requirements at an expert level
• Researches and independently develops solutions for non-routine inquiries
• Assists as necessary in the preparation of price quotations, project proposals, and tender documents in a timely fashion that meets deadlines for non-routine inquires
• Approves or performs method modification, development, and validation
• Provides leadership and training to laboratory personnel to continuously improve quality control, quality assurance, laboratory services, and customer satisfaction
• Liaises with the Operations Manager, Laboratory Supervisors, and Client Services in response to complaints involving technical aspects including non-conformances, as well as participate in internal audits
• May report opinions, interpretations, evaluate and approve data for release in the final report to the customer
• Operates to the highest standards of ethics, in accordance with the SGS standards of ethics and Integrity
• May be assigned special or related ad hoc projects from time to time within the company
• Provides mentorship to Laboratory Personnel
• Provides technical guidance and support to the Management team as required for problems relating to current analytical methods
• Facilitates the assurance that quality standards are being used and the most effective methods are being carried out for the analysis
• From literature research and ongoing training, to work with the Management Team in staying updated on any changes in technology and methodology that may affect the business interests of the company
• To direct technical investigation to resolve client complaints where necessary
• To evaluate new equipment and efficiency gains of any new method development
• Actively participates in training and development opportunities
• Involved in special projects and LIMS implementation across the EHS network
• Follows all company health, safety, and environmental policies

• University degree in a Science related program with a strong preference in chemistry or a related field (Required)                                 
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in an environmental laboratory environment (Required)
• 15 years of experience in an environmental laboratory (Preferred)
• Experience in multiple areas/departments of the laboratory (Preferred)
• Ability to work well with others & independently: (Required)
• Able to work with technical, sales, and management staff: (Required) 
• Ability to coordinate and motivate a team towards a common goal: (Required)
• Must be accountable, self-motivated; provide team leadership and motivation towards a common goal: (Required) 
• Must be creative, innovative, and task orientated: (Required) 
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly professional environment: (Required) 
• Works well under pressure: (Required)

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.

If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a callback. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.