Research And Development Project Manager
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Management of a multidisciplinary research team tasked with project-based development of new products, systems and solutions in line with organisational objectives, specialising in the research and development, engineering and manufacturing of specialist and decorative coatings. Responsibilities:- Developed a system to capture and analyse commercial data for identifying redundant raw materials, driving a significant improvement in operational efficiency and increased profit margins. - Designed, fabricated and assembled a novel reactor system, reducing manufacturing time by 75% and enabling continuous manufacture of latex polymers. - Accountable for on-site troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimisation of equipment.- Managed an analytical laboratory to develop test methods, assist with problem resolution for customer complaints and drive the development of environmentally products.- Resolved technical issues in support of manufacturing using innovative conceptual design, manufacturing of prototypes and implementing on-site solutions.- Facilitated biannual internal and external audits of the ISO 9001:2015 compliant Quality Management System as part of an ongoing audit cycle.- Generated engineering specifications, designs and reports, establishing procedures and delivering solutions to meet the project-specific requirements.- Controlled project procurement, installation, commissioning and handover with a deep understanding of project lifecycle processes to effectively deliver on-time and on-budget. - Conducted root cause analyses for product, system or equipment failures, ensuring prompt rectification of operation weaknesses and supporting the flow of accurate information for managerial decision making. - Created and maintained an innovative and safety-conscious culture, promoting cutting-edge research and developing a positive team philosophy in support of team goals and successful project results.