Product Evaluation Department Manager/Project Manager IV

Stork Southwestern Laboratories is a member of the Stork Materials Technology (SMT) group of companies.

Stork Southwestern Laboratories (SwL) was founded in Texas in 1912 and has a long-standing reputation of providing engineering and testing services to clients in industry and government. An industry leader for over 90 years, SwL has set the standard among our peers in providing engineering and testing services.

Department level management responsibilities for managing a group or volume of revenue in a location. Projects are complex where, in most cases, there are existing procedures and precedents that may require some modifications. Supervises and directs the activities of a staff of Technicians and possibly Project Managers/Engineers.

Must be proficient in a number of core business skills including but not limited to:

• Effective communication skills with clients, technical and administrative staff as well as with corporate management staff
• Ability to ensure compliance with safety rules, company policies and procedures
• Skills to communicate, monitor and ensure progress toward attainment of location and company goals.

This position is a manager level and reports to the Operations Manager located in Houston, Texas.
Impact:
Policy / Decisions: Medium.
Financial: High.
Legal: Low.

• Responsible for meeting with top department customers to determine their requirements; develops all proposals including cost estimates, project plan, and terms and conditions.
• Establish and maintain top department client contact for the purpose of market/account development, understanding customers needs, building personal relationships, assuring quality satisfaction, and maintaining a professional consulting image.
• Responsible for project management including staff assignments, equipment allocations, schedules, and costs.  Ensures all work is performed in accordance with company procedures and applicable outside agencies’ standards.
• Responsible for managing and supervising product evaluations Technicians and possibly Project Managers in their respective disciplines.
• Responsible for the personnel management of assigned staff including hiring, training and assignments, performance evaluations, salary administration, discipline, and employee morale.
• Responsible for initiating, sourcing, and developing investment proposals of department.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of the annual budget.
• Responsible for developing business strategy for the department, ensuring that both short- and long-term strategies are aligned with overall Company goals.

• Must be experienced in interpreting testing procedures and requirements.
• Must be experienced in understanding and interpreting project plans and specifications.
• Demonstrated success in writing proposals and technical reports.
• Demonstrated success in performing field and laboratory product testing.
• Must be fluent in basic business computer applications including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Electronic Mail, and keyboarding.
• Must have experience managing staff.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle within company policy.  A valid driver’s license is required.
• Availability, flexibility and maturity to represent the company at a broad range of events in the community, with customers and within the company.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills to meet a variety of communication needs (performance reviews, presentations, employee training and development, and leadership).
• Ability to interface with clients, win new work and determine their requirements to develop proposals including cost estimates, work plan and terms and conditions.
• Laboratory and/or field-testing and inspections capability.

Competencies

Physical Attributes

• Frequency of required physical force: Occasional (moderate).
  

Working Conditions

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors.